Parliamentary Representative for All Saints West, Anthony Smith, has made history by becoming the first independent candidate to be offered a ministry by any government.

On Tuesday, Smith, who resigned from the United Progressive Party, was sworn in at the government’s House as the new Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries, and the Blue Economy.

Governor General Sir Rodney Williams congratulated Smith, saying that “the prime minister in his wisdom thinks that the young people have something to contribute, and this is why you were appointed.

Sir Rodney also mentioned that in other parts of the world, positions such as these are given to people of age.

“As a young man, it tells me that you have a long life and if you keep close to your constituency and you do the right things, you will have an even longer life in politics. I also think you have a longer life in politics. I also believe you can be a good role model to young people…” he said

Smith was also admonished to recognize that he would represent not just his conscience but the entire country of Antigua and Barbuda.