In a formal address to the Upper House of Antigua and Barbuda on Monday, Senate President Alincia Williams-Grant presented an open letter from Jessica Zouetr, the immediate former president of the country’s National Youth Parliament Association, that carried a clear, principled message for two newly appointed senators with youth parliament roots.
The letter extended warm, targeted congratulations to Senators Jonathan Wehner and Shaquan O’Neal, both graduates of the National Youth Parliament program, framing their ascension to the Senate as a landmark achievement not just for the organization itself, but for all young people across the twin-island nation.
“Your appointments are a source of immense pride, not only for your families and communities, but also for the countless young people who now see that dedication, preparation and service can lead to the highest institutions of our nation,” Williams-Grant read aloud to the chamber during the opening of the sitting.
Zouetr, who once served as the presiding officer of the youth parliament, noted that Wehner and O’Neal’s appointments mark the latest milestone for the organization. Back in 2022, the association celebrated its first Senate appointment when alumnus Keleir Gardner took a seat in the Upper House. This latest pair of appointments, Zouetr argued, is tangible proof that the youth parliament consistently fulfills its core mission: equipping young people with the skills and experience to step into national leadership and public service roles.
Drawing from her own experience leading the youth body, Zouetr shared that she had overseen parliamentary sittings in which both Wehner and O’Neal participated, making their new appointments a full-circle, full-heartening moment for everyone involved with the program.
“As you take your seats in these hallowed halls, remember the principles that guided your training,” the letter read.
While Zouetr acknowledged that both new senators hold formal affiliations with political parties, she emphasized that their primary duty within the Senate extends beyond partisan loyalty. Their core responsibility as legislators, she argued, requires rigorous scrutiny of proposed legislation, thoughtful and constructive debate, and unwavering commitment to serving all residents of Antigua and Barbuda.
“Your foremost allegiance here must be to the Constitution and to the people of Antigua and Barbuda,” she wrote. “Let every contribution you make and every vote you cast be guided by the principles of fairness, sound judgment and the national interest rather than partisan considerations.”
After reading the letter in full, Williams-Grant explained that she chose to present the entire correspondence to replace her own planned opening remarks, because the message aligned perfectly with the core reminder she wanted to deliver to the entire Senate at the start of the sitting.
“I think it was fitting for it to replace what I would have said this morning,” she said, adding that Zouetr’s message serves as an important reminder for every sitting senator that their role exists to serve the people of Antigua and Barbuda, and that the public rightfully expects their full commitment and best work in the chamber.