Public Office Is a Duty, Not a Prize’ — Governor General Delivers Firm Message to New Ministers

A strong appeal for national unity and responsible leadership set the tone for the official swearing-in of new government ministers on Tuesday, as Governor General Sir Rodney Williams reminded the country that “elections may divide us in choice, they must never divide us as a people.”

Speaking moments before ministers took their oaths at the American University of Antigua Conference Centre, the Governor General framed the ceremony as both a constitutional milestone and a moment of national reflection following last week’s general election.

“Today, that will is given form through the constitutional process,” he said, noting that the electorate had already spoken through the ballot and that the responsibility now shifts to those entrusted with office.

He extended congratulations to Prime Minister Gaston Browne and the incoming ministers, while also acknowledging all candidates who participated in the election, describing their involvement as essential to the strength and resilience of the country’s الديمقراطية system.

But it was his call for unity that stood out as the central message of the address.

“Once the ballots are counted, we are called to come together… as one nation, united in purpose and a shared destiny,” Sir Rodney declared, urging both supporters and those disappointed by the results to remain engaged in national development.

He stressed that public office must never be seen as a reward, but rather a duty grounded in humility, discipline and integrity.

“Public office is not a prize to be claimed, but a duty to be discharged,” he said, warning that expectations from the public are high and that ministers must serve all citizens—not just political supporters.

The Governor General also underscored the weight of the oaths ministers were about to take, describing them as binding commitments to the Constitution, the rule of law, and the faithful execution of their responsibilities.

“These oaths are not mere formalities,” he said. “They represent a commitment to fairness, wisdom, and responsibility to present and future generations.”

In a forward-looking message, Sir Rodney emphasized the need for collaboration within the new administration, noting that national progress depends on collective effort rather than individual ambition.

“These are times that demand not only competence, but courage—not only vision, but collaboration,” he said.

The ceremony, held at the American University of Antigua, marked the formal installation of the country’s new Cabinet following the decisive outcome of last week’s polls, ushering in a new term of governance with expectations of continuity, renewal, and delivery on campaign commitments.

As the proceedings moved toward the administration of oaths, the Governor General closed with a message of hope and accountability: that the new ministers’ tenure would be defined by “meaningful service to the people of Antigua and Barbuda.”