‘Not business as usual’ — Foreign Minister charges new senators to help build a stronger democracy in AB

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Immigration E.P. Chet Greene has told ten newly sworn-in government senators that their role in the Upper House goes beyond ceremony, warning that the administration expects nothing short of excellence in the discharge of their duties.

“It’s not business as usual for you, Senators,” Greene said at the swearing-in ceremony. “It’s about you delving deep into the job at hand of building a stronger and more formal democracy here in Antigua and Barbuda.”

Greene, speaking on behalf of Prime Minister Gaston Browne, also addressed senators who harbour ambitions for elected office, telling them the Senate represented another opportunity to demonstrate their ability to deliver.

“For those of you who are also seeking elective office, here comes another chance for you to demonstrate to the public your ability to deliver on the expectations of people,” he said.

He told the senators that their responsibilities did not begin and end when parliament was in session.

“It’s a daily exercise, a daily responsibility that you’re called upon to perform as Senators,” Greene said. “We expect nothing but excellence from you in discharge of your duties.”

Greene also acknowledged the significance of the Senate in the current political context, noting that with only two elected members in the opposition benches in the lower house, the Upper House carried added weight in the democratic process.

“The Senate becomes an all-important part of the strengthening story of our democracy,” he said.

The ten senators sworn in on Friday were Shenella Govia, Alincia Williams-Grant, Philip Shoul, Lamin Newton, Kendra Beazer, Colin Brown, Angelica O’Donohue, Shaquan O’Neil, Joel Rayne, and Abena St. Luce.

Williams-Grant is to be reappointed Senate President and Shoul nominated as Deputy President, both to be formally confirmed when the Senate convenes on May 20.

Governor General Sir Rodney Williams, who presided over the ceremony, called on the senators to serve with humility and commitment.

“Your appointments represent not only an honour, but also a solemn responsibility to serve the people of Antigua and Barbuda faithfully, wisely, and with integrity,” Sir Rodney said.

Sir Rodney also paused to acknowledge the passing earlier this week of former senator and former Leader of Government Business in the Senate, Mary-Claire Hurst, describing her as someone who had served Antigua and Barbuda with commitment, discipline, and distinction.

Governor General Sir Rodney Williams will deliver the Speech from the Throne on May 26.