By Tahna Weston
When the Upper House of Parliament convened yesterday, the two newest senators who were appointed made their inaugural addresses as debate on the Appropriations Bill commenced.
Senator Lamin Newton, who prefaced his statement by acknowledging God, used the opportunity to express condolences to the family of the late Apostle Dr Cedric Forbes, whom he said was his pastor, friend and a brother.
He also spoke about people loving each other in these days because life is unpredictable.
“So, I know what that has indicated to me is how unpredictable life really is; very unpredictable and fragile and, for that reason Madame President I would like to say to my colleague senators and even those on the other side how much I love you.
Senator Newton was full of high praises for Prime Minister Gaston Browne for appointing him to the Upper House.
“Madam President, I also want to use this opportunity to express gratitude to our Prime Minister the Honourable Gaston Browne for reposing his confidence in me and appointing me to this Honourable House. You see, a few years ago Madame President, the members of the other side, I’m going to say the opposition, they buried me but what they didn’t understand that they were burying a seed and once you bury a seed more than likely it will germinate.
Pearl Quinn-Williams, another recent appointee, has promised that she will do her best in serving the interest of the people of Antigua and Barbuda.
“I rise to say how honoured I am to be a member of this august body and I want to thank the Honourable Leader of the Opposition for reposing the confidence in me.
“I also want to thank you [Madam President] and the Honourable Members of this House for the warm welcome that I received and I want to assure you that I will uphold the Standing Orders of this Honourable House.
“I look forward to having a very good working relationship with you and all the other members as we work together in service and in the interests of the people of this country,” Senator Quinn-Williams said.
