Senate President Alincia Williams-Grant was re-elected to the presidency of the Senate for a fourth consecutive term, using the occasion to challenge newly appointed senators to champion the interests of Antiguans and Barbudans and to push harder for greater female representation in both houses of parliament.
Williams-Grant, who began her tenure as one of the youngest persons ever appointed to the position and is now its longest-serving occupant, described the role as a "humbling opportunity and a privilege."
She reserved special recognition for the two youngest incoming senators, Shaquan O'Neil and Jonathan Wehner, both alumni of the National Youth Parliament Association of Antigua and Barbuda (NYPAAB). The Senate President described their swearing-in as a personally moving moment.
"As a child, we hear the youth are the future of tomorrow. They are present now. They have a voice. They have a contribution to make," she said.
Williams-Grant told the chamber she was nearly moved to tears witnessing the two young men celebrate each other's appointments. "When Shaquan was announced, when his name was called to take the oath, Jonathan was pounding the table for his fellow youth parliamentarian and it was reciprocated. When Jonathan was going up, Shaquan was cheering him on," she recalled.
"Enjoy it. I know it might not happen again. But it's good because what we need is a collective effort — a collective effort to bring to focus all of the issues that affect people of Antigua and Barbuda," she added.
Williams-Grant also paid tribute to Ramona Small, who helped establish the NYPAAB and continues to mentor its members. "This mechanism of the Youth Parliament — she saw it as a tool when she was in the seat as clerk, and she has continued to serve them," the Senate President said.
Turning to the vacant Barbuda Council Senate seat, Williams-Grant expressed hope that the council would appoint a young woman to fill it. "I know Barbuda, and I know firsthand that we have very effective and positive young women in Barbuda who can contribute in this house," she said.
The Senate President highlighted the current state of female representation in the legislature, noting that women hold only two of 17 seats in the lower house and seven of 17 in the Senate. She challenged women in both chambers to treat the issue as a national rather than partisan concern.
Williams-Grant also congratulated former senator Kiz Johnson on her transition from the Senate to the House of Representatives, where she now serves as a Minister of State in the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation.
On procedural matters, Williams-Grant urged all senators to familiarise themselves with the Senate's standing orders and reminded members that the presiding officer is the final arbiter of all proceedings. She also stated her intention to advocate for the Senate to be adequately staffed, resourced, and funded, pointing to persistent public confusion between the roles of the legislature and the executive.
Senate Vice President Philip Shoul offered brief congratulatory remarks, also singling out the two young senators. "It is your time to shine. Make a difference in Antigua and Barbuda," he said. Shoul pledged to preside fairly over both sides of the chamber and appealed to senators to maintain collegial relations beyond the floor of the house, regardless of the vigour of their debates.
