Pearl Quinn-Williams: Advocacy and Service to Define Senate Tenure

Senator Pearl Quinn-Williams, recently sworn in as a member of Antigua and Barbuda’s Upper House, has outlined a vision of service, justice, and advocacy for her time in Parliament.

Speaking after her appointment, the new senator expressed gratitude for the confidence placed in her by Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle, vowing to uphold the high standards set by her predecessors.

“I am humbled and honored,” Quinn-Williams stated. “My predecessors have graciously offered to mentor and guide me, and I will eagerly accept their support as I endeavor to exceed the high standard they have set.”

When asked about her potential role as Senate Minority Leader, Senator Quinn-Williams deferred to the Opposition Leader to announce such decisions in due course.

Quinn-Williams emphasized her approach to legislative review, focusing on the merits and demerits of each bill and prioritizing what benefits the people of Antigua and Barbuda. “If a bill positively impacts lives and livelihoods, I will strongly support and promote it,” she asserted.

Quinn-Williams also advocated for an elected Senate, a reform she believes would strengthen democratic representation and accountability. She suggested that private bills, though underutilized, could be a valuable mechanism for bringing public concerns to the legislative table.

In addition to national issues, Senator Quinn-Williams pledged to champion global and regional concerns that affect small island developing states (SIDS). She highlighted climate change, global financial inequities, and unresolved disputes such as Antigua and Barbuda’s longstanding claim under a World Trade Organization (WTO) ruling.

“If larger countries create conditions that cause smaller nations to suffer, there must be fair compensation—whether financial or otherwise,” she said. “Our Prime Minister has been advocating for this, and I believe we must continue pressing for justice and fairness.”

Quinn-Williams also called for a reassessment of how gross domestic product (GDP) is used to determine a country’s eligibility for international financing, noting that current metrics disadvantage small economies like Antigua and Barbuda.

Despite the challenges faced by smaller states in global forums, Quinn-Williams urged persistence. “Sometimes people say we don’t have a voice because of our small size, but we must keep speaking out,” she said. “Even if progress comes in baby steps, we cannot give up the fight for fairness and justice.”

Quinn-Williams affirmed her commitment to advocating for these issues in the Senate, reflecting a determination to ensure that Antigua and Barbuda’s voice is heard on both national and international stages.

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