Newly elected Minister of State Michael Freeland was singled out for praise during Tuesday’s Throne Speech as the government signaled growing confidence in the young parliamentarian’s leadership potential.

Governor General Sir Rodney Williams described Freeland as already beginning to shoulder major responsibilities within the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment.

Freeland, who won the St George constituency by a commanding margin in the April 30 general election, was commended for what the speech described as “leadership and burden sharing that tests his mettle and assures his constituents of success.”

The public endorsement places Freeland among the emerging faces being closely watched within the administration as Antigua and Barbuda pushes major tourism and investment projects.

The Throne Speech also highlighted major tourism infrastructure works, including airport runway rehabilitation and ongoing development projects in Barbuda, areas that fall within the ministry’s broad portfolio