Shenella Govia has been appointed Minister of State in the Ministry of Works and Housing, continuing in the role she assumed in October 2025 while also being reappointed to the Senate as Leader of Government Business.

Govia, who has served as a government senator since 2014, was among ten senators sworn in at Government House on Friday morning following the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party’s landslide victory in the April 30 general elections.

“I am truly grateful for this opportunity,” Govia told state media, ABS . “I’ve been appointed since 2014 on four terms and I’m really, indeed, honoured and blessed.”

Foreign Minister E.P. Chet Greene, speaking on behalf of Prime Minister Gaston Browne at the ceremony, singled out Govia’s reappointment to the ministerial role as a recognition of prior performance.

“It’s obvious that your reassignment to the position is a recognition of the work you’ve done before,” Green said.

Govia would be working alongside Minister for Works and Housing Maria Browne, describing the arrangement as an opportunity she was grateful for.

“In the ministry of works, predominantly people see it as a man’s responsibility, but clearly with her leadership and having this honour to work along with her, we are certainly looking forward to continued progress,” she said.

She also addressed the appointment of four women to the Senate, framing it as consistent with the administration’s stated commitment to gender equity.

“The Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party government is about the empowerment of women,” Govia said. “I’m sure that the appointment of four women within the Senate would serve as an inspiration for many other women to know that politics is not something that you can shy away from.”

Govia has been a member of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party youth group since 2009.

The Senate convenes on May 20, when Govia is expected to formally assume her role as Leader of Government Business.