Dwayne George to make his first appearance in the Senate today

New Senator for Antigua and Barbuda, Dwayne George, is set to attend his first official meeting today at 9:30 am.

He was sworn in last week as the replacement for Caleb Gardiner, who had been appointed to serve as a diplomat in Washington, DC.

The ruling administration chose Senator George as the caretaker and anticipated nominee for the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party in the St Mary’s South constituency by-election.

During today’s Upper House meeting, the Senate will debate and vote on amendments to the Registered Land Act, the Mount St John’s Medical Centre Act, and the Immigration and Passport Act.

They will also discuss the appointment of Ian Hughes as the new Supervisor of Elections.

If confirmed, his first task would be to manage the by-election between former MP Kelvin ‘Shugy’ Simon and Senator George.

The St Mary’s South constituency seat became vacant following Simon’s resignation from the role of constituency representative last month. This resignation was made in response to an election petition filed against him.

As per the Constitution, Senator George must resign from his post to contest the by-election. If he wins, another individual will be appointed to serve as a senator; if he loses, he will be reappointed to the Senate.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has stated that the decision to replace former St Mary’s South caretaker Senator Samantha Marshall, and the process to find her replacement was made months ago.

He believes that Senator George, a former opposition United Progressive Party member, is the best candidate for the area.

However, members of the UPP have criticized his switch to the Labour Party, labeling it an act of betrayal.