By Elesha George
The Senate will welcome its newest member on Thursday, after Pearl Emily Quinn-Williams officially took her oaths of office on Monday to assume her role as Senator. The ceremonial event, presided over by the Governor General’s Deputy, Sir Clare Roberts, was attended by family, friends, and members of the opposition United Progressive Party (UPP).
“Fairness” and “fair play” for the ordinary man, is what Quinn-Williams said the public will benefit from most. “I believe I am a formidable advocate,” she told Observer.
“I can speak up for those who don’t have a voice. Antigua would benefit from having an advocacy group to represent people who may not have legal cases but do have moral or ethical grievances against institutions, organizations, or businesses. I see myself playing a role there.”
Party leader and Leader of the Opposition, Jamale Pringle praised Senator Quinn-Williams for her dedication to nation-building and commitment to good governance over the years. He highlighted her selection as part of the party’s pledge to increase female representation in politics.
“I had support from the party because she has been a champion, she has been fighting, she has been pushing the cause not only for party but also for good governance in Antigua and Bahia. I think those qualities going into the Senate will also enhance and add to the party to the voices that are already in the Senate for greater strength and advocacy on behalf of the United Progressive Party and the opposition,” he remarked following the ceremony.
Quinn-Williams follows in the footsteps of her sister, Dr Jacqui Quinn, who made history as the first woman to hold a parliamentary position in Antigua and Barbuda. However, she stressed that her role is not just about gender. “I’m a firm believer of putting the right person for the job, regardless of gender, in the role. So, I’m not one that believes that, well, you should put a female in there just because you want to have more females in the house. If a female is the right person for the job. If it’s a male, a male should be the person.”
Her husband of 19 years, Steve Williams believes his wife will make an excellent representative.
“I’m feeling very good. And I’m proud of her. I know her desires, aspirations. The only problem is she’s so dedicated to nation building. I’m wondering how much time she will be able to devote to me now because she’s all about country,” he joked.
“Personally, I felt that she should have been there even earlier because I know who she is and what she wants to do. I think the country will benefit from her being in there. So, it’s a little late but better late than never.”
Quinn-Williams also shared that she didn’t have any hesitation taking up the role. “My work ethic, my commitment to service to the people, my commitment to the party, I felt that I would always make a good representation of the party and by extension the people.”
