By Robert Andre Emmanuel
Chairman of the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA), 31-year-old Michael Joseph was officially appointed as a government senator and minister of state within the Ministry of Health, Wellness, Social Transformation and the Environment yesterday.
During a ceremony at Government House, Governor General Sir Rodney Williams, who alongside Sandra Lady Williams worked with now Senator Joseph when he served within the Halo Foundation’s Generation Y arm, described the appointment as a “significant step in our nation’s ongoing commitment to public service and to the well-being of our citizens”.
Sir Rodney also noted that Joseph brings “a wealth of experience and dedication” to the role.
Speaking to Observer media after the ceremony, the new senator expressed his delight with the appointment but said he is eager to take on the new responsibilities, saying: “I’m excited now for various reasons. I’m excited as a young person to be given such a large responsibility by the prime minister and his cabinet.”
Joseph outlined some of his priorities in the new role, which include addressing climate change, expanding social safety nets, and improving healthcare access at the community level.
“For sure, it’s in the area of climate change. I think that there’s a lot more that we can do in that area—we can capitalise on a lot more resources, a lot more opportunities that exist.
“In Social Transformation, I want to look at our current safety nets and look at how we can expand them, make them better and how we can introduce more safety programmes for persons on the lower end of our social class,” Joseph explained.
Additionally, Joseph intends to focus on improving healthcare access and delivery at the community level, working closely with Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph to align services and maximise resources.
“We need to take a hard look at our clinics and hospitals, see where we can do better in meeting the expectations of the public and making the most efficient use of our healthcare infrastructure,” he stated.
In addition to his role as NSWMA Chair, Joseph also served as the youngest president of the Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross Society.
Senator Joseph spoke about how his rise to ministerial portfolio could inspire future youth leaders.
“I may be young, but I’ve proven that I’m willing to work hard and do whatever it takes to make a positive impact,” Joseph said. “I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work on behalf of the people of Antigua and Barbuda.”
He later added, “I do a lot of work with our young people because I want them to understand that there is no [limit] on what they can achieve. I want them to understand very clear but if they believe they can do it, then … no one can stop them [but] themselves.”
Prime Minister Gaston Browne suggested the appointment last year, where he described Joseph as “a natural in connecting with others” and a winner with his “work ethic” “intellectual competence” and ability.
He also confirmed that the decision was finalised last week, following Senator Samantha Marshall’s resignation last month. Marshall also held the post of Minister of State within the Ministry of Health Wellness, Social Transformation and the Environment.
