Shenella Govia has been reappointed Minister of State in the Ministry of Works and Housing and will continue serving as Leader of Government Business in the Senate, a role she first assumed in October 2025.
Govia was among ten senators sworn in at Government House on Friday morning following the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party's landslide victory in the April 30 general elections. A government senator since 2014, she is now entering her fourth consecutive term.
"I am truly grateful for this opportunity," Govia told state broadcaster ABS. "I've been appointed since 2014 on four terms and I'm really, indeed, honoured and blessed."
Foreign Minister E.P. Chet Greene, representing Prime Minister Gaston Browne at the ceremony, described Govia's reappointment as a direct reflection of her previous work in the role. "It's obvious that your reassignment to the position is a recognition of the work you've done before," Greene said.
Govia will serve alongside Minister for Works and Housing Maria Browne. She welcomed the arrangement, noting the significance of women leading a ministry often associated with male leadership. "In the ministry of works, predominantly people see it as a man's responsibility, but clearly with her leadership and having this honour to work along with her, we are certainly looking forward to continued progress," she said.
Govia also highlighted the appointment of four women to the Senate as a meaningful signal to women across the country. "The Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party government is about the empowerment of women," she said. "I'm sure that the appointment of four women within the Senate would serve as an inspiration for many other women to know that politics is not something that you can shy away from."
A member of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party's youth group since 2009, Govia is expected to formally assume her role as Leader of Government Business when the Senate convenes on May 20.
