Senate President Alincia Williams-Grant on Wednesday challenged senators to approach their appointments with discipline, preparation and a commitment to public service as Antigua and Barbuda’s new Upper House formally convened for the first time since the general election.
Addressing senators after their swearing-in ceremony, Williams-Grant said senators must recognize the seriousness of their constitutional role and the expectations of the public.
“The people are watching you,” she told members, warning that citizens would closely monitor their conduct and contributions in the chamber.
She urged senators to study Parliament’s standing orders and understand the rules governing debate and procedure in the Senate.
“When you come into this house, that is what’s guiding us,” Williams-Grant said while encouraging senators to understand “the difference between a point of order and a point of elucidation.”
The Senate President also stressed the importance of training and professional development, urging members not to believe their appointment alone was sufficient preparation for public office.
“Training is important. So don’t close your mind that, ‘Hey, I’ve arrived, I’m a senator.’ There’s opportunity for growth and development,” she said.
A major focus of Williams-Grant’s address was the growing role of young people in Parliament, particularly the appointments of youthful senators including Shaquan O’Neal and Jonathan Wenner, both of whom participated in Youth Parliament programmes.
“My heart is overwhelmed … to see Shaquan and Jonathan here as the product of our outreach program here at Parliament,” Williams-Grant said.
“The youth are the future of tomorrow. They are present now, they have a voice, they have a contribution to make,” she added.
Williams-Grant said their appointments reflected the success of Parliament’s youth outreach efforts and encouraged senators to work collectively for the benefit of the country regardless of political affiliation.
“What we need is a collective effort … to bring to focus all of the issues that affect people of Antigua and Barbuda,” she said.
She also encouraged senators to embrace opportunities to engage with regional and international parliamentary partners as part of their development in public office.