Incoming Senate President Alincia Williams-Grant (Photo Couresty-Wayne Mariette)

Antigua and Barbuda’s Senate is scheduled to convene on Wednesday as the country continues the formal opening of its new Parliament following the April 30 general election.

Alincia Williams-Grant is expected to be returned as President of the Senate when members of the Upper House meet for the first time in the new parliamentary term.

During last week’s swearing-in ceremony for government senator Tiffany Strand-Peters and Parliamentary Secretary Joel Anderson-Rayne, Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant announced that senators would meet on Wednesday to take their oaths and conduct the business of the Upper House.

Merchant also disclosed that Cabinet had put forward Williams-Grant to continue as Senate President, while Philip Shoul is expected to serve as Deputy President of the Senate.

In addition, Shenella Govia is expected to serve as Leader of Government Business in the Senate.

The Senate is expected to include government senators, opposition senators and independent senator Jamila Kirwan.

Among those expected to participate are newly sworn-in opposition senator Malaka Parker, government senator Tiffany Strand-Peters and Parliamentary Secretary Joel Anderson-Rayne.

The sitting comes ahead of the ceremonial opening of Parliament and the Throne Speech scheduled for May 26, when Governor General Sir Rodney Williams is expected to outline the government’s legislative and policy agenda for the 2026-2027 parliamentary year.