Governor General Sir Rodney Williams delivered a firm and pointed message to Antigua and Barbuda's newly sworn-in Cabinet on Tuesday, reminding incoming ministers that public office carries obligation, not reward. According to Antigua.news, the ceremony took place at the American University of Antigua Conference Centre, where Sir Rodney framed the swearing-in as both a constitutional milestone and a moment of national reflection following last week's general election.
"Elections may divide us in choice, they must never divide us as a people," the Governor General declared, setting the tone for an address that centred on unity, humility, and accountability.
Speaking moments before ministers took their oaths, Sir Rodney acknowledged that the electorate had already exercised its will through the ballot, and that responsibility now rested squarely with those entrusted with governing. He congratulated Prime Minister Gaston Browne and the incoming ministers, while also recognising all candidates who participated in the election, describing their involvement as essential to the strength and resilience of the country's democratic system.
His call for national unity emerged as the defining theme of the address. "Once the ballots are counted, we are called to come together… as one nation, united in purpose and a shared destiny," he said, urging both supporters of the winning party and those disappointed by the results to remain engaged in national development.
Sir Rodney was equally direct in his warning against treating political victory as personal gain. "Public office is not a prize to be claimed, but a duty to be discharged," he stated, stressing that ministers must serve all citizens — not merely political supporters — and that public expectations are high.
The Governor General also underscored the gravity of the oaths ministers were about to take, describing them as binding commitments to the Constitution, the rule of law, and the faithful execution of their responsibilities.
"These oaths are not mere formalities," he said. "They represent a commitment to fairness, wisdom, and responsibility to present and future generations."
Looking ahead, Sir Rodney called for collaboration within the new administration, cautioning that national progress depends on collective effort rather than individual ambition. "These are times that demand not only competence, but courage — not only vision, but collaboration," he said.
As the proceedings moved toward the administration of oaths, the Governor General closed with a message of hope tied to accountability, expressing his expectation that the new ministers' tenure would be defined by meaningful service to the people of Antigua and Barbuda. The ceremony marked the formal installation of the country's new Cabinet following last week's general election, ushering in a new term of governance amid expectations of continuity, renewal, and delivery on campaign commitments.
