Governor Albert Bryan Jr. today announced with deep sorrow the passing of St. Croix attorney Eszart Wynter, a respected legal mind, devoted public servant, and one of the Governor’s dear friends.
“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,” Governor Bryan 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 noted that Wynter’s legal brilliance was matched by his generosity and his enduring commitment to ensuring access to justice, including through years of pro bono work for those who could not afford representation.
“For many, Eszart was not just a lawyer,” Governor Bryan said. “He was hope when the system felt unreachable.”
Governor Bryan also reflected on the personal bond he shared with Wynter and the mentorship that shaped him both publicly and privately.
“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.”
Wynter, the Governor said, was a man of wide-ranging interests and talents, a disciplined and balanced spirit who never lost sight of who he was and where he came from.
“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,” Governor 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.”
Governor Bryan said Wynter’s legacy will endure through the lives he touched and the injustices he helped right, and he called on the community to honor Wynter’s memory by continuing to serve others and stand firmly on principle.
“Above all, Eszart Wynter was a man of integrity, principled, compassionate, and steadfast,” the Governor 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.”
The Governor extends heartfelt condolences to Wynter’s family, loved ones, colleagues in the legal community, and all who are grieving his loss.
