Newly sworn-in Senator Jamila Kirwan delivered an emotional address following Monday's Senate ceremony, honouring the memory of her late mother while reaffirming her commitment to public service and greater female representation in Parliament.
According to Antigua News Room, Kirwan spoke before relatives, colleagues, and government officials, expressing gratitude to those who had supported her family through a period of grief. She described her late mother as "our favourite person" and drew comfort from the fact that their matriarch had lived to witness the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren before her passing.
"We are blessed that she was able to see her children and her grandchildren on a trajectory that would have made her proud," Kirwan said, adding that she believed her mother was "smiling down on all of us today."
Kirwan spoke candidly about the hardships her family has endured in recent years, including illness and personal adversity. She credited her mother, whom she affectionately called "Mama Lucy," with instilling in her the value of resilience. "To God be the glory for resilience," she said. "That is what Mama Lucy has taught me."
Despite navigating a difficult personal period, Kirwan said she remained dedicated to serving in the Senate, to which she was reappointed following the April 30 general election. She thanked Governor General Sir Rodney Williams for his confidence in her and Prime Minister Gaston Browne for supporting her return to the Upper House.
Kirwan also used the occasion to advocate for greater female participation in politics. Acknowledging that politics can be "an unforgiving area," she stressed that women must maintain a strong voice in Parliament. Referencing remarks by Senate President Alincia Williams-Grant regarding historically higher levels of female representation, Kirwan said women senators intended to "hit the ground running" in championing the interests of women and girls.
"We still want to have representation," she said. "We need to have a voice in parliament."
