Senate Majority Leader Shenella Govia has welcomed the composition of the new government bench in the upper house, highlighting the presence of five women on the Antigua Barbuda Labour Party side and the appointment of several first-time and young senators as evidence of the party's commitment to developing its next generation of leaders.
According to Antigua.news, Senator Govia — returning to her role as Leader of Government Business — described the makeup of the new government senators as particularly encouraging.
"How refreshing it is, specifically, to see five of us on this side as women," she said, adding that the ABLP remained an institution of empowerment and opportunity.
Govia pointed to a pattern she said the party continues to cultivate: the progression of senators from the upper house to elected office in the lower house. "This is the type of institution that the Antigua Barbuda Labour Party continues to build," she said, referencing former senators who have since become members of parliament and ministers of government.
Govia also extended a welcome to opposition senators, expressing hope for a productive session. "May our discussions be very fruitful and may we continue to live up to the expectations of the people of Antigua and Barbuda," she said.
She acknowledged returning opposition Senator Chester Hughes personally, noting that despite their positions on opposing benches, a common bond of nationhood prevailed. "Outside of this, we are all Antiguans and Barbudans. We have to survive in this country," she said.
Govia expressed hope that the Barbuda Council would fill its vacant Senate seat with a young woman, and echoed Senate President Alincia Williams-Grant's call for greater female representation in both chambers of parliament.
She also thanked Prime Minister Gaston Browne and his cabinet for the confidence placed in her and her colleagues, and said she had no doubt the current session would be among the most engaging the Senate had seen.
