IN PICTURES: Members of the Senate take their oath of Allegiance

Antigua and Barbuda’s Senate formally convened Wednesday morning as newly appointed senators took the oath of allegiance during a ceremonial sitting at Parliament Building, marking the official start of the Upper House for the new parliamentary term.

Senate President Alincia Williams-Grant and Vice President Philip Shoul were both unanimously re-elected to their positions before the swearing-in of senators appointed by the government, opposition and Governor General.

The sitting followed the April 30 general election, which returned the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party to office for a fourth consecutive term.

Sixteen senators took the oath or affirmation of allegiance during the session, while the seat reserved for the nominee of the Barbuda Council remained vacant pending an appointment.

Government senators sworn in included Shenella Govia, Joel Rayne, Lamin Newton, Kendra Beezer, Colin O’Neil Browne, Angelica O’Donoghue, Abena St. Luce, Shaquan O’Neail and Tiffany Strann-Peters. Opposition senators included Chester Hughes, Malaka Parker, Jonathan Wehner and Ashworth Azille, while Jamilla Kirwan returned as the independent senator appointed by the Governor General.

In remarks following her re-election, Williams-Grant welcomed the new senators and highlighted the increased participation of young people in Parliament, singling out youth parliament alumni Shaquan O’Neal and Jonathan Wenner.

“The youth are the future of tomorrow. They are present now, they have a voice, they have a contribution to make,” Williams-Grant said.

She also urged senators to familiarize themselves with Parliament’s standing orders and stressed the importance of professionalism and meaningful debate in the chamber.

The Senate President additionally called for greater female representation in politics, noting that women still occupy fewer than half the seats in the Upper House and only two seats in the Lower House.

Opposition Leader in the Senate Chester Hughes pledged that opposition senators would focus on “bills and policies and Antigua and Barbuda along with principles” rather than partisan politics.

“We will criticize constructively. We will criticize with a sense of purpose and national pride,” Hughes said.

Several speakers also paid tribute to former senator Mary Claire Hurst, whose death was acknowledged with a moment of silence during the sitting. Williams-Grant described Hurst as “a stalwart of Antigua and Barbuda in the civic service,” while Hughes praised her contribution to politics and public service.

The Senate later adjourned ahead of the ceremonial Throne Speech scheduled for May 26.

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