Young Women Leaders to Debate Cannabis Law Reform in All-Female Parliamentary Sitting

Parliament will host the Young Women in Leadership (YWiL) All-Female Parliamentary Debate on Monday, March 9, 2026, marking the culmination of the eight-week leadership programme and a celebration of International Women’s Day.

The House of Representatives will convene at 9:00 a.m., followed by the Senate at 1:00 p.m. The public is invited to attend or tune in via ABS Television and its digital platforms.

Senator The Hon. Alincia Williams Grant, President of the Senate and Interim Chair of the Network of Women Parliamentarians of Antigua and Barbuda, expressed confidence in the young participants and the impact of the programme:

“Parliament is delighted to support the Young Women in Leadership initiative and the remarkable young women who have dedicated the past eight weeks to this programme. This partnership with CIWiL and ParlAmericas demonstrates the power of collaboration in building networks and leadership capacity for young women across our region. We wish them every success as they take the floor on Monday.”

Earlier today, Thursday, March 5, the programme featured a Fireside Chat with Women in Leadership, bringing together three distinguished professionals who shared candid insights into their personal and professional journeys. The panel included Charmaine Quinland-Donovan, Chief Executive Officer of the Citizenship by Investment Unit; Ladesa James-Williams, Director, Retail Sales OECS and Country Head Antigua at CIBC; and Kathy David, Chartered Accountant and Partner and Territory Leader in the Antigua firm of Grant Thornton. Moderated by Senator The Hon. Jamilla Kirwan, Interim Public Relations Officer for the Network of Women Parliamentarians, the discussion explored the panelists’ early beginnings, the challenges they navigated, and the inspirations that helped them chart their respective career paths.

Reflecting on the session, Senator Kirwan noted:

“Hearing the authentic stories behind these remarkable women’s success reminds our young leaders that every career path begins with courage, perseverance, and the willingness to keep going despite obstacles. These conversations help demystify leadership and show that their aspirations are entirely within reach.”

During Monday’s special parliamentary sitting, participants will debate a motion proposing the establishment of a Joint Select Committee to review cannabis legislation in Antigua and Barbuda.

The motion calls for a comprehensive parliamentary review of the country’s evolving cannabis framework, including amendments to the Misuse of Drugs Act (2014, 2018, 2019, and 2024) and the Cannabis (Amendment) Act 2022. The proposed review would assess the social, legal, economic, and public health impacts of these reforms and examine how their implementation affects different groups within society.

Central to the debate is the application of a human rights, gender-responsive, and evidence-based approach, with particular attention to how cannabis legislation may affect women, youth, caregivers, and vulnerable populations. The proposed committee would consult widely with experts, government agencies, community organizations, religious and cultural groups, educators, producers, and the general public.

Participants will also explore whether current laws are achieving their intended goals, identify potential implementation gaps or unintended consequences, and consider whether additional policy reforms, support programmes, or regulatory adjustments may be required.

The debate forms part of the broader YWiL initiative, which aims to empower young women to engage meaningfully in public policy discussions and parliamentary processes, while examining national issues through inclusive, forward-looking leadership perspectives.

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