Williams-Grant Wants Greater Public Understanding of Parliament as She Prepares for Fourth Term as Senate President
Senator Alincia Williams-Grant says one of her major priorities in the new parliamentary term will be strengthening public understanding of the legislature and improving the operation and autonomy of Parliament as she prepares to return as President of the Senate for a fourth term.
Speaking after Friday’s swearing-in ceremony at Government House, Williams-Grant described her reappointment as both emotional and humbling.
“It’s emotional and it’s an honor,” she said. “It is a daily task, public service… and you come to the office with humility and gratitude.”
Williams-Grant said the upcoming term would bring new challenges as she returns to the role she first assumed after the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party took office in 2014.
“It’s been a tremendous task these past — this is my fourth term actually — in the position and so I’m looking forward to the challenges that will come with this dispensation,” she said.
The veteran senator also addressed female representation in politics, noting that while four women were appointed to the Senate on Friday, she had hoped the numbers would have been higher.
“If you check the stats, it’s kind of a step back because we’ve had better numbers in the Senate in particular when we first came to office in 2014,” Williams-Grant said.
Still, she praised what she described as the continued commitment of the Gaston Browne administration to women’s empowerment.
“We’re very happy that there has been a continued commitment by the administration, the Gaston Browne administration, to empower women in every way possible, every level possible,” she said.
Williams-Grant also paid tribute to former senator Mary-Claire Hurst, describing her as a source of mentorship and inspiration for many women in public life.
“Her motto has always been mentoring and empowering others — the youth, the women,” Williams-Grant said. “In this celebration, we must honor that legacy because of her, so many of us are.”
She said she has also been encouraged by the growing interest young women are showing in politics and civic engagement.
“There have been so many young women who have come forward who have said, ‘How do I become a senator? I’m interested,’” she said.
Williams-Grant contrasted that enthusiasm with what she described as widespread political apathy among young people when the administration first entered office more than a decade ago.
“When we first came to office in 2014, there was a general apathy, especially from the young people. They did not want anything to do with politics,” she said.
Looking ahead to the operation of the Senate, Williams-Grant emphasized the importance of legislative review and maintaining standards within the Upper House.
“We are the most civilized chamber,” she said with a laugh. “We are very particular about the work that we do because… we are the review body. We’re the last before it hits the eyes or the public feels the effect of the legislation.”
She revealed that she has already begun contacting regional and international partners to organize training for first-time senators entering Parliament.
“We want to make sure that they understand the role,” she said.
Williams-Grant argued that many citizens still do not fully understand how Parliament functions separately from the executive branch of government.
“I think too often in this country, persons do not appreciate the legislative function,” she said. “There’s no deference given to the legislature separate from the executive. It’s confusing. People don’t understand.”
She said one of her goals this term will be increasing civic awareness around Parliament and strengthening the legislature institutionally.
“I hopefully will be able to challenge myself to bring about this year more awareness as to how the legislature functions separately from the executive,” Williams-Grant said.
The Senate president-designate also called for greater autonomy for Parliament, arguing that the legislative branch should operate with more independence similar to the judiciary and executive arms of government.
“We as a legislature need some autonomy,” she said.
Williams-Grant disclosed that she had previously discussed the issue with late parliamentarian Sir Gerald Watt and suggested structural changes could be introduced during the new term.
“You will be seeing some changes… more in terms of tightening up how we function as a legislative arm of the government and constitutionally,” she said.
She also credited youth programmes and civic engagement efforts for increasing interest in parliamentary life among younger people, particularly young women.
“Politics, political life, parliament is not just for the ordinary boring person,” Williams-Grant said, praising the advocacy and visibility of younger senators and civic figures for helping make politics more appealing to a new generation.
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