The United Nations Youth Advisory Group has congratulated 22-year-old Shaquan O'Neil on his appointment to the Senate of Antigua and Barbuda, calling the milestone historic and praising his years of advocacy on behalf of young people across the Caribbean.
According to Antigua News Room, the congratulatory message was published Sunday by the UN Barbados and OECS office via social media, which noted that O'Neil's appointment makes him "the youngest person ever to hold the position" in Antigua and Barbuda.
"Shaquan, a UN Youth Advisory Group member and National Youth Ambassador, has long been a voice for young people in the Caribbean," the statement read. "Now, he takes that voice to the highest levels of national decision-making."
The UN Youth Advisory Group also commended O'Neil's leadership and commitment to public service, expressing confidence that he would continue to inspire and empower youth throughout the region.
O'Neil was appointed to the Upper House as part of the new Senate lineup constituted following the April 30 general election. His appointment has drawn attention both locally and regionally, owing to his age and his well-established background in youth advocacy.
