Newly appointed opposition Senator Ashworth Azille has pledged to serve with "great vigour" in the Upper House, while calling on young Antiguans and Barbudans to take a more active role in national leadership and political life.
According to Antigua.news, Azille made the remarks shortly after receiving his instrument of appointment at Government House on Monday, describing the occasion as both "a great honour" and a serious responsibility entrusted to him by the leadership of the United Progressive Party.
"It is an indication, first of all, of the tremendous confidence that my political leader and political party have in me," Azille said. "To be tasked to serve at this level is a profound honour."
The veteran educator and trade unionist said he is fully aware of the opposition's important constitutional role in Parliament and committed to participating in rigorous legislative debate in the Senate.
"I look forward to very robust discussions on the legislations that will come before the Senate for discussion," he stated.
Azille also used the occasion to sound a call for greater youth participation in nation-building, arguing that a genuine appetite for leadership exists among the country's young people.
"There is a hunger for leadership in this country," he declared. "We are ready to take this mantle of leadership."
While acknowledging the divisive nature politics can sometimes take, Azille stressed his intention to pursue a style of engagement centred on the broader aspirations of all citizens.
"We are looking forward to an engagement that really takes into consideration all of the hopes, aspirations and dreams of the people of Antigua and Barbuda," he said.
Azille also reflected on his personal journey, noting that he was born in Dominica and migrated to Antigua and Barbuda as a child more than 40 years ago. He counts himself a product of the local public education system, having attended Villa Primary School, Glanvilles Secondary School, and Antigua State College.
He brings considerable professional experience to the role, having spent 23 years as a teacher and school principal, and 13 years in the trade union movement. He is widely recognised for his leadership within the Antigua and Barbuda Union of Teachers, where he served as both General Secretary and President, and also served as President of the Caribbean Union of Teachers.
"My work has really been grounded in the principles of justice, fairness and equity," Azille said. "It has been grounded by a desire to advocate for those who at times may appear voiceless."
He said the Senate appointment gives him a new platform to continue that advocacy at the national level. Azille was among several opposition senators sworn in at Government House ahead of the ceremonial opening of Parliament later this month.
