Fresh faces and messages of inspiration marked another milestone at Government House as Senator Joel Anderson Rayne was officially sworn in as Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Corporate Governance and Public Private Partnerships, while Tiffany Anthea Lauren Strann-Peters also took the oath as senator.

Rayne’s appointment came just days after his May 8 swearing-in as a senator. Governor General Sir Rodney Williams said the role demands discipline, dedication and a strong commitment to service, adding that Rayne had earned the confidence placed in him.

Describing the experience as “surreal,” Rayne expressed gratitude to God, Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Cabinet for entrusting him with the responsibility. He also encouraged others not to place limits on their ambitions, saying dreams can be achieved regardless of timing.

Meanwhile, Strann-Peters called her appointment a “full circle moment” and encouraged young women to pursue their goals with determination, reminding them that delays do not mean dreams are denied.

During the ceremony, Sir Rodney highlighted the growing representation of women in politics, noting that with Strann-Peters’ appointment there are now six female government senators and eight women serving in Antigua and Barbuda’s 34-member Parliament, among the highest levels of female parliamentary representation in the country’s history.