Senate President Alincia Williams-Grant Reacts to Shawn Nicholas’s Resignation: “A Season for Everything”
Senate President Alincia Williams-Grant delivered an emotional response to the resignation of Senator Shawn Nicholas during the Senate’s sitting, expressing shock and deep admiration for her years of service.
Nicholas, who announced her departure after more than a decade in the Senate, received heartfelt tributes from her colleagues, with Williams-Grant leading the charge.
“When the scripture came to me this morning about there being a season for everything, I didn’t expect this at all,” Williams-Grant said, visibly moved by the announcement. “I really didn’t. I see the shock on Senator Johnson’s face, and I see Senator Johnson in tears down there. I am moved by your presentation and your announcement, Senator Nicholas.”
Williams-Grant reflected on the long-standing relationship she shared with Nicholas, tracing their connection back to their days at ACB Caribbean before their paths crossed again in the Senate. “I’m sad to see you go, but I understand the reason. We don’t come here to turn stone. When the time is right, your journey ends in this stage, and you move on to the next,” she remarked.
Highlighting Nicholas’s unwavering commitment to gender advocacy, legislative reform, and outreach programs, Williams-Grant commended her contributions, stating that her successor would have “heavy lifting” to do to match her dedication.
She specifically acknowledged Nicholas’s role in promoting gender sensitivity in legislation, recounting how she would meticulously ensure changes were made to reflect inclusive language.
“I shall miss you dearly,” Williams-Grant continued. “I shall miss holding your hand as we traveled overseas to represent Antigua and Barbuda, speaking about the work we’re doing here to elevate women and young people.”
In her remarks, the Senate President expressed hope that Nicholas would continue to contribute to the advancement of women in Antigua and Barbuda, even in her absence from the Senate. “I know you’re not going too far,” she said, adding, “I still have your number, and I wish you all the best sincerely.”
The sitting, which had initially been intended for legislative debate, took on the tone of a tribute as senators reflected on Nicholas’s contributions. Williams-Grant acknowledged the emotional weight of the moment, saying, “This morning seems to be turning into a tribute day, which it very well deserves to be.”
.Williams-Grant summed up the sentiment of the day: “Thank you for your service, your passion, and your commitment. Antigua and Barbuda is better for it.”
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Beautiful response; sensitive and so much deserved and more over, so much needed to be heard in the country at this time in point. It reflects recognition, unity-no party line, respect, friendship and a call for similar commitment from those in line to move forward. Thank you Senate President Alincia Williams-Grant.
Dame Giselle would be a great person to fill that vacancy.