Jamila Kirwan Reappointed as Independent Senator

Jamila Kirwan has been reappointed as Antigua and Barbuda’s Independent Senator, taking the oath of allegiance, oath of office, and oath of secrecy at Government House on Tuesday.

Kirwan, a media relations specialist and manager of the Calvin Ayer Foundation, was first appointed to the Senate on November 27, 2025 with her initial term ending following the dissolution of Parliament in April 1.

The ceremony unfolded during a period of personal loss for Kirwan, whose mother, Lucy Daley, passed away on April 9.

Sir Rodney acknowledged the circumstances directly in his remarks.

“Even in grief, there are examples of strength that inspire us,” Sir Rodney said. “Senator-designate Kirwan moves forward today, carrying not only her own aspirations, but also the enduring influence and spirit of a mother whose support helped shape the woman that she has become.”

Forgoing prepared remarks, Kirwan spoke from the heart, drawing on her mother’s teachings as both context and motivation for continuing in public service.

“To God be the glory for resilience, because that is what Mama Lucy has taught me,” she said. “I can stand even here in front of you, being human, being strong, being up and down emotionally, and we know that we’re going to say our final goodbyes on Thursday, but still I stand here because I know this is an awesome opportunity.”

Kirwan thanked both Sir Rodney and the Prime Minister for their confidence in her reappointment.

She described her mandate as unchanged from her initial appointment, centred on youth empowerment, women’s issues, and advocacy for vulnerable groups.

A cancer survivor, a single mother and football mom, Kirwan used the platform to address the barriers women face in political life, urging them to remain engaged despite what she characterised as a difficult environment.

“I think it has become very caustic and very traumatic for any individual, women or men, and particularly our young people who are watching on,” she said. “They want to see true representation of people, it’s not just about ego, it’s not about the arguments and the shouting. It’s about service.”

She said her six years managing the Calvin Ayer Foundation had reinforced that disposition.

“It has only been about service, helping people who are unable to help themselves and speaking for the voiceless,” Kirwan said.