Sixteen of the seventeen senators of the newly constituted Antigua and Barbuda Senate were sworn in on Wednesday morning, completing the post-election formalities following the April 30 general elections. According to Antigua.news, the only seat yet to be filled is that reserved for the Barbuda Council, with no confirmation received as to who the council will appoint to that position.
Senate President Alincia Williams-Grant and Vice President Philip Shoul were re-elected to their respective positions before the oath of allegiance was administered to the remaining senators.
On the government benches, Senator Shenella Govia returned as Leader of Government Business in the Senate. She is joined by senators Kendra Beazer, Abena St. Luce, Angelica O'Donoghue, Shaquan O'Neil, Joel Rayne, and Tiffany Strand-Peters. Senator Lamin Newton and Senator Colin Brown also return to the chamber.
The opposition was likewise sworn in, with Senator Chester Hughes serving as minority leader. Hughes previously served as both a senator and as Member of Parliament for All Saints East and St. Luke. Joining him on the opposition benches are Senator Jonathan Wehner, Senator Malaka Parker, and Senator Ashworth Azille.
Senator Jamila Kirwan returns to her post as the independent senator, having been appointed earlier this year following the resignation of her predecessor, Kiz Johnson, who now serves as Member of Parliament for St. Philip's South.
The Throne Speech is scheduled for May 26.
