Newly appointed Opposition Senator Jonathan Wehner says he intends to use his position in the Upper House to advocate for young people and push for action on issues including healthcare, education, employment and the rising cost of living.

Speaking to ABS Television following his swearing-in ceremony at Government House on Monday, the 24-year-old senator said he plans to serve as “a voice for the youth” in Parliament.

“In terms of Parliament, I will be, as I would have expected my party to see, being a young person, to be a voice for the youth, an advocate for the youth, whether it be in healthcare, education, employment, cost of living — all these things that affect young people across Antigua and Barbuda,” Wehner said.

Wehner said his contributions in the Senate would go beyond political rivalry and focus instead on addressing real national concerns.

“Not just to score political points,” he added as he outlined his priorities in public life.

The newly appointed senator described his elevation to the Senate as a “humbling moment” and expressed gratitude to Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle and the United Progressive Party for placing confidence in him.

“I am very humbled to be selected by my political leader and now Leader of the Opposition, the Honourable Jamale Pringle,” Wehner said.

At the start of the interview, Wehner also congratulated the government on winning the April 30 general election, saying the outcome reflected the will of the electorate.

“The government has won, the people have spoken, and we must all listen to the voice of the people,” he stated.

Despite political differences, Wehner stressed that the role of the Opposition is not simply to oppose the government, but to ensure accountability and national progress.

“As the Opposition, it is our responsibility not just to oppose, but also to hold the government accountable, keep their feet to the fire, to ensure that we have better for Antigua and Barbuda nationally,” he said.

“It’s not about party colors, it’s about advancing our country, our nation.”

Wehner also thanked supporters, family members and party officials for helping shape his political journey, saying he did not reach the Senate on his own.

“A lot of people contributed to ensure I am the person I am today. I didn’t get here by myself,” he said.

He credited the UPP with giving him opportunities to grow politically, including serving as an executive member and acting public relations officer before his Senate appointment.

“They have given me the opportunity to serve as an executive member, given me the opportunity to serve as their acting public relations officer, they’ve given me the opportunity to serve in the Senate,” Wehner said.

“So I owe a lot to this party, to my leader, to the executive.”

Wehner also used the opportunity to congratulate government senator Shaquan O’Neil, who at 22 became the youngest senator in Antigua and Barbuda’s history.

Wehner revealed that O’Neil is a relative and said political divisions should not prevent mutual respect.

“Even though we’re on different divides of the political aisle, it’s still important to congratulate him,” Wehner said.

The newly sworn-in senator also thanked Senator Colin O’Neil, whom he described as one of his “biggest encouragers and supporters.”

Wehner was among three opposition senators sworn in Monday at Government House alongside Ashworth Azille and Chester Hughes. Opposition Senator-designate Malaka Parker is expected to be sworn in at a later date after missing the ceremony due to travel.