New Senators Urged to Put National Interest Above Partisan Politics

Senate President Alincia Williams-Grant on Monday read a letter from immediate past National Youth Parliament Association President Jessica Zouetr urging two newly appointed senators who rose through the youth parliament to place the Constitution and the national interest above partisan politics as they begin serving in the Upper House.

The letter, addressed to the Senate, offered special congratulations to Senators Jonathan Wehner and Shaquan O’Neal, both alumni of the National Youth Parliament, and described their appointments as a proud moment for the organization and young people across Antigua and Barbuda.

“Your appointments are a source of immense pride, not only for your families and communities, but also for the countless young people who now see that dedication, preparation and service can lead to the highest institutions of our nation,” Williams-Grant read from the correspondence.

Zouetr said the appointments marked another milestone for the National Youth Parliament Association, noting that the organization celebrated the appointment of its first alumnus, Senator Keleir Gardner, in 2022.

She said Wehner and O’Neal’s appointments demonstrate that the youth parliament continues to prepare young people for leadership and public service.

Reflecting on her own experience as presiding officer of the National Youth Parliament, Zoutre said she had the privilege of overseeing sittings in which both men participated and described their appointments as a full-circle moment.

“As you take your seats in these hallowed halls, remember the principles that guided your training,” the letter stated.

Zouetr reminded the senators that although they may have political affiliations, their responsibility in the Senate is to act as legislators by carefully scrutinizing legislation, participating in thoughtful debate and serving the people of Antigua and Barbuda.

“Your foremost allegiance here must be to the Constitution and to the people of Antigua and Barbuda,” she wrote. “Let every contribution you make and every vote you cast be guided by the principles of fairness, sound judgment and the national interest rather than partisan considerations.”

After reading the letter, Williams-Grant said she deliberately shared it in its entirety because it reflected the message she wanted to convey at the start of the sitting.

“I chose to read this because I think it was fitting for it to replace what I would have said this morning,” she said.

She added that the message served as a reminder to every senator that they are in the chamber to serve the people of Antigua and Barbuda and that the public expects their best.

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