Newly sworn-in Senator Jamila Kirwan delivered an emotional address following Monday’s Senate ceremony, thanking supporters for standing with her family during a period of grief while remembering her late mother, whom she described as “our favourite person.”

Speaking before relatives, colleagues and government officials, Kirwan said her family was comforted by the fact that their matriarch had lived to witness the achievements and growth 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 also spoke candidly about the hardships her family has faced in recent years, including illness and personal adversity, saying resilience had been one of the defining lessons taught to her by her mother, “Mama Lucy.”

“To God be the glory for resilience,” she said. “That is what Mama Lucy has taught me.”

Despite the emotional period, Kirwan said she remained committed to public service and grateful for the opportunity to continue serving in the Senate after being 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 part of her address to encourage greater female participation in politics, acknowledging that politics can be “an unforgiving area” but stressing the importance of women maintaining a strong voice in Parliament.

Referencing comments by Senate President Alincia Williams-Grant about higher levels of female representation in previous years, Kirwan said women senators intended to “hit the ground running” in advocating for women and girls.

“We still want to have representation,” Kirwan said. “We need to have a voice in parliament.”