Prime Minister Gaston Browne has floated the idea of appointing the winner of the Labour Queen pageant to the Senate, describing it as a way to reward and elevate young women who demonstrate talent and leadership potential.

Speaking on his Browne and Browne programme on Pointe FM, the Prime Minister praised the quality of contestants in the annual pageant, noting that many have gone on to hold prominent roles in society.

“I am of the view that maybe next year we could say to the Labour Queen, the one who wins, that she could be given an opportunity to serve in the Senate,” Browne said. “We need to start to think more progressively and give our young women those kinds of leadership platforms.”

The Labour Queen pageant, a staple of Antigua and Barbuda’s Labour Day celebrations, is traditionally organised by the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP). While it has primarily served as a cultural event, Browne’s proposal would mark a shift in its significance, potentially linking pageant success with formal political leadership.

The Prime Minister added that such a move would not be unprecedented. “We’ve had individuals move from these types of platforms into significant roles in the country. So why not the Senate?”

Browne’s comments appear aimed at both recognising women’s contributions and expanding the pipeline of young leaders into national governance. No formal policy change has yet been announced, but the idea is likely to generate both public interest and political discussion ahead of next year’s pageant.