Senator Shanella Govia has praised the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party for its strong commitment to youth empowerment, highlighting the Labour Queen show as a vital platform for leadership development, personal growth, and community service.
Speaking on The Browne and Browne Show, Senator Govia outlined how the Labour Party continues to invest in young women, using pageantry not only to showcase beauty and talent but to foster a deeper sense of civic responsibility and political engagement.
“One thing about the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party is that we empower young people, whether it be in pageantry or leadership development,” Govia said. “This is one of the many platforms that we provide.”
Govia, who has taken the lead in organising the 2025 Labour Queen pageant, described the transformation she witnessed among the contestants, noting that many entered the competition with uncertainty but quickly grew in confidence and capability.
“This journey has been amazing,” she said. “Some girls came in from the tryouts extremely nervous. Now they are confident, expressive, and ready.”
She noted that this year’s theme, “Renaissance: The Rebirth,” reflects the Labour Party’s vision of renewal through youth leadership, inspired by Prime Minister Gaston Browne’s efforts to bring new, young talent into the political movement.
In a departure from past formats, each Labour Queen contestant was also required to carry out a project within her community, demonstrating that the show’s impact extends beyond the stage. “We wanted to show the people of Antigua and Barbuda that the Labour Party is not only about glamour,” Govia said. “We are an institution of development and growth.”
The Senator also thanked the parliamentary representatives who sponsored the contestants, pointing out that pageantry can be costly and that such support was crucial to the show’s success. She singled out Prime Minister Browne for his responsiveness and encouragement, noting his backing of the pageant and broader youth initiatives.
Looking ahead, Govia said she hopes the young women involved will continue to play active roles in their constituencies, joining youth groups and contributing to the party’s future leadership.
“Our mission is to create ambassadors for the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party and for the nation,” she said. “We are thinking not just about the pageant, but about the bigger picture — building the next generation of leaders.”
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Please give me some of what you people are eating and or drinking in the GBLP. That GBLP Kool Aid is much stronger than that of Jim Jones of Jones Town, shame. You would do most anything for crumbs from the GBLP table.
GBLP- Gaston Browne Labor Party.