Shaquan O'Neil has become the youngest person ever appointed to the Senate of Antigua and Barbuda — and he says he sees the honour not as a personal achievement, but as a weighty responsibility.
According to Antigua.news, O'Neil, a recent graduate of the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus and National Youth Ambassador, was among ten government senators sworn in at Government House on Friday morning. He received his instrument of appointment from Governor General Sir Rodney Williams.
"Not only to be in the Senate, but also as one of the youngest senators, I'm elated," O'Neil told state media. "It's a burden and also a part of the legacy that you must be able to represent, not only the people of Antigua and Barbuda, but especially the youth."
O'Neil, who also serves as a member of the National Youth Parliament Association, said his primary focus in the Senate will be carving out space for young people in national decision-making and tackling youth unemployment — a challenge he described as persistent across the region.
"I want to be able to ensure that I provide a space for young people within the room," he said. "I want to be able to provide a platform to advocate for them to get the necessary training and equip themselves with the necessary knowledge so that when opportunities come, they are equipped to take on the world."
When asked about receiving the call from Prime Minister Gaston Browne, O'Neil said his thoughts turned immediately to the work ahead.
"I was excited to see how much I'll be able to get done, especially speaking with some of the ministers and my fellow senators to see how best we can make our tenure one of the most fruitful tenures ever seen in Antigua and Barbuda," he said.
