Senator Lamin Newton says he is leaving his recent election defeat behind him as he returns to the Upper House with a renewed focus on education, scholarships, and national development.
According to Antigua News Room, Newton was reappointed to the Senate following the April 30 general election and spoke to reporters after his swearing-in ceremony at Government House on Friday, describing himself as both "great" and "excited" about returning to Parliament.
"I think it's known that I just suffered an election defeat," Newton said. "However, that is behind me. I'm looking forward to bigger and better things."
The former Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party candidate for All Saints East and St. Luke said the defeat has given him an opportunity to reflect and identify areas for improvement.
"The good thing about this is that now I have time and I have the data so I can do a clear assessment as to the areas that I need to work on," he said.
Newton outlined education as one of his primary priorities for the new parliamentary term, expressing a desire to partner with learning institutions to create scholarship opportunities for disadvantaged individuals.
"I've developed a great passion for education," he said. "I want to partner with some of the learning institutions or more learning institutions so that I can offer scholarships to individuals who are less fortunate."
The senator spoke passionately about education as a driver of social mobility and equality. "I've always said that education is the one key that unlocks the door for everybody," Newton said. "It brings equality to every strata of society."
While placing education at the forefront of his agenda, Newton also acknowledged that infrastructure development would remain a priority. "Of course, infrastructure work continues," he said, adding that "education is going to be a focus and a highlight for me going forward."
Newton was among 10 government senators sworn in on Friday as Parliament continues to be reconstituted in the wake of the general election. He is expected to formally take his seat when the Senate convenes on May 20.
