Attorney General Sir Steadroy “Cutie” Benjamin on Tuesday questioned whether Antigua and Barbuda still needs a Senate, suggesting that the country should consider whether a single-chamber Parliament would better serve its democratic system.
Benjamin raised the issue during his presentation in Parliament as part of a broader call for constitutional reform, arguing that long-standing structures should no longer be treated as beyond review.
“There’s been many around the region that the Senate should be done away with it, like in Dominica,” Benjamin told the House.
He contrasted the intended role of upper chambers in systems such as Britain with how senates function in the Caribbean, saying that while such bodies were designed to review legislation, make corrections and offer guidance, that ideal has not always been realized in the region.
“In Britain and the other countries, the Senate is used to deal with the law, to make corrections, to make suggestions about the law,” Benjamin said. “In the Caribbean, it is not exactly the case.”
The attorney general said the structure of Parliament should be examined openly as part of any serious constitutional review, noting that discussions on reform have been delayed for decades.
“We must begin debates and discussions under the provisions for constitutional reform,” he said, adding that the time had come to properly review the Constitution.
Benjamin did not propose an immediate abolition of the Senate but made clear that its relevance and function should not be immune from scrutiny. He framed the issue as one of national maturity and governance rather than partisan politics.
The comments form part of a wider push by the attorney general to revisit constitutional arrangements, including calls for Antigua and Barbuda to become a republic, change its oath of allegiance, and accede to the Caribbean Court of Justice.
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I disagree wholeheartedly with disbanding the senate, it would give too much control to the ruling party. The fundamental flaw in an appointed Senate is the creation of a grand conflict of interest where a Senator’s loyalty shifts from the public to the political patron who appointed them. Because the Prime Minister or ruling party selects and can easily remove Senators, appointees are incentivized to prioritize party allegiance over their constitutional duty to provide independent scrutiny. This undermines the Senate’s critical role as a “chamber of sober second thought.” Instead of acting as a genuine check on the ruling party’s power, an appointed body often becomes a “rubber stamp,” passing legislation with minimal meaningful opposition, thereby concentrating excessive control in the hands of the executive and neglecting the diverse interests of the broader population.
To resolve this systemic conflict, the Senate must transition to an elected model. An elected Senator would owe their position and prestige directly to the voters, not the political establishment. This shift in accountability restores the Senator’s independence, as their primary concern would be serving the interests of their constituents to secure re-election, rather than fearing removal by a powerful patron. An elected Senate would possess the democratic legitimacy necessary to engage in robust, critical debate, ensure fairer legislation, and provide a truly powerful check against the overreach of the ruling party, ultimately creating a more balanced and representative legislative system.
There should be a senate and it should have elected senators, one for each parish.
It is vitally important for property vetting of bills and making of laws.
It’s time to abolish the #rubber_stamp known as Senate, or have the members, ELECTED, rather than SELECTED for their political affiliations.
Now, in the same vein and name, of CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM…
A…the ELECTION DATE, MUST be set to a specific DATE & MONTH, every five(5) years rather than left up to the schisms, and shenanigans of any one individual or order.
B…there MUST be TERM LIMITS, no more than two(2) terms for the ELECTED MEMBERS, and the SPEAKER of House, of the parliament.
C…Antiguans & Barbudans in the DIASPORA, MUST be able to register and vote in the General Elections, either by ABSENTEE BALLOT, or at an Embassy/Consulate.
Oh, as to this old/new political position (Diaspora Liason or whatever) recently given to Dave Ray, is totally irrelevant and a waste of scare public funds. The EMBASSIES STAFF and other foreign agencies plus a well designed and managed WEBSITE will more than serve this purpose effectively and efficiently.
I’ve being shouting from the Shekley Hills regarding such for well over fifteen(15) years. Did I stutter, Mr. Cornell Hughes!
Jumbee Picknee aka Ras Smood
De’ole Dutty Peg🦶🏿Garrat_Bastard
Vere C. Edwards
Oh, and by the way, ALL ANTIGUANS, BARBUDANS & REDONDANS, regardless if they have dual citizenship MUST be able to sit and serve in the Parliament.
Jumbee Picknee aka Ras Smood
De’ole Dutty Peg🦶🏿Garrat_Bastard
Vere Edwards
The Senate is just a RUBBER STAMP for any Party in Office. It should be elected and not selected. The Party that wins the election might still end up with the most members but it should still be elected