Senate Majority Leader Shenella Govia welcomed the composition of the new government bench in the upper house, drawing attention to the presence of five women on the Antigua Barbuda Labour Party side and the appointment of several first-time and young senators as evidence of the party’s commitment to building its next generation of leadership.

Senator Govia, returning to the role of Leader of Government Business, said the sight of the new government senators was particularly encouraging.

“How refreshing it is, specifically, to see five of us on this side as women,” she said, adding that the ABLP remained an institution of empowerment and opportunity.

She pointed to the progression of previous senators from the upper house to elected office in the lower house as a pattern the party continues to cultivate.

“This is the type of institution that the Antigua Barbuda Labour Party continues to build,” Senator Govia said, referencing the careers of senators who had since become members of parliament and ministers of government.

Govia also extended a welcome to the opposition senators, saying she looked forward to a productive and vigorous session.
“May our discussions be very fruitful and may we continue to live up to the expectations of the people of Antigua and Barbuda,” she said.

She acknowledged returning opposition senator Chester Hughes personally, noting that despite their positions on opposing benches, the common bond of nationhood remained.

“Outside of this, we are all Antiguans and Barbudans. We have to survive in this country,” she said.

She expressed hope that the Barbuda Council would fill its vacant Senate seat with a young woman, and reiterated Senate President Alincia Williams-Grant’s call for increased female representation in both chambers of parliament.

Govia also thanked Prime Minister Gaston Browne and his cabinet for the confidence placed in her and her colleagues and said she had no doubt the current session would be among the most engaging the Senate had seen