Newly appointed senator Malaka Parker missed Monday's Senate swearing-in ceremony, citing what she called "extenuating circumstances" that required her to travel, according to Antigua News Room.
Parker addressed her absence in a statement posted to social media, advising the public that a date for her swearing-in would be announced once arrangements are confirmed.
"I wish to advise you of my absence from today's swear in session. This is unavoidable due to extenuating circumstances requiring my travel," Parker wrote in the statement.
Parker used the occasion to extend "best wishes" to her fellow senators and the Leader of the Opposition, while stopping short of offering formal congratulations.
Instead, she shared a message framing her entry into public service as a call to duty. "May we each answer now to duty's call, to the service of your COUNTRY, sparing nothing giving ALL," the statement read.
Parker gave no further details regarding the nature of her travel or the specific circumstances that prevented her attendance at the ceremony.
