Prime Minister sets tone for new parliamentary term, saying attendance to sittings is not optional.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne used the swearing-in of the newest cadre of Members of Parliament on Monday to put his newly elected bench on notice that full attendance in the House of Representatives was not optional.

“What we do not want [is] individuals who will come to parliament when they feel like,” PM Browne told the chamber.

“This is the top decision-making body in the land, and it ought to be respected.”

The Prime Minister outlined the only acceptable grounds for missing a sitting was illness, official travel, or genuine extenuating circumstances.

He also made clear that the electoral mandate secured on April 30th carries with it an expectation of consistent, professional service to constituents.

“The victory is not a mandate for slothfulness,” the Prime Minister said. “If anything, it is actually a mandate for us to serve more faithfully the people of Antigua and Barbuda.”

Browne also extended congratulations to re-elected Speaker Osbert Frederick and Deputy Speaker Dr Philmore Benjamin, calling on both to govern the chamber with wisdom, fairness and firmness.

He made special mention of veteran parliamentarian Sir Steadroy “Cutie” Benjamin, who took the parliamentary oath for the eighth successive time as member for St. John’s City South.

Speaker Frederick, in his remarks, welcomed the new MPs to the Lower House and gave brief remarks students from the Jennings Secondary School who were present in the gallery, expressing hope that the experience would inspire some among them toward public life.

Leader of the Opposition Jamale Pringle and Member of Parliament for Barbuda Trevor Walker were both absent from the sitting as Pringle travelled to the United States to accompany his minor daughter for a medical procedure, while Walker is attending to family matters.

Both MPs confirmed they will take their Oath of Allegiance at the next ordinary sitting of the Lower House.