Government House, St. Croix USVI.
Governor Albert Bryan Jr. on Tuesday announced the death of St. Croix attorney Eszart Wynter, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of a respected legal professional, longtime public servant, and close personal friend.
In a statement reflecting on Wynter’s life and legacy, Bryan described him as a man whose work and character were rooted in service and justice. “I mourn the loss of my dear friend, Eszart Wynter, a man whose life was defined by purpose, service, and an unwavering commitment to justice,” the governor said. “Eszart was a prolific attorney and a distinguished statesman, but titles alone could never capture the measure of the man. He was, at his core, a tireless advocate for the poor and the marginalized.”
The governor emphasized that Wynter’s reputation as a skilled legal mind was matched by his generosity and commitment to ensuring access to justice. He noted that Wynter devoted years to pro bono legal work, representing individuals who could not afford counsel and working to make the legal system accessible to those who often felt excluded from it.
“For many, Eszart was not just a lawyer,” Bryan said. “He was hope when the system felt unreachable.”
Beyond Wynter’s professional accomplishments, the governor reflected on their personal relationship and the mentorship that shaped him both in public life and privately. Bryan spoke of the time they spent together outside the office, including regular rounds of golf that blended competition with conversation.
“To me, Eszart was also a mentor and a friend,” the governor said. “I will forever treasure our many games of golf together. Competition was always part of it, but so was conversation, laughter, and his steady coaching. He was always teaching, always encouraging me to be better, not only on the course, but in life. His guidance was patient, thoughtful, and rooted in a genuine desire to see others grow.”
Bryan described Wynter as a man of broad interests and varied talents, noting that his discipline and balance extended well beyond the courtroom. According to the governor, Wynter maintained a strong sense of identity and pride in his roots while pursuing a wide range of personal pursuits.
“Eszart was truly a Renaissance man, an expert pool player, a practitioner of martial arts, and a man of deep intellect and wide-ranging interests,” Bryan said. “He was deeply proud of his Virgin Islands heritage and lived his life in a way that reflected the strength, resilience, and richness of our people. He represented the very best of what it means to be a Virgin Islander.”
The governor said Wynter’s legacy will continue through the people he mentored, the lives he touched, and the injustices he worked to correct over the course of his career. He urged the community to honor Wynter’s memory by continuing to serve others and by standing firmly on principle.
“Above all, Eszart Wynter was a man of integrity, principled, compassionate, and steadfast,” Bryan said. “He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. May his life continue to inspire us to serve others, to pursue excellence, and to stand firmly on the side of justice. Rest in peace, my friend.”
Governor Bryan also extended condolences to Wynter’s family, loved ones, colleagues within the legal community, and all those mourning his passing.
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