The first formal sitting of Antigua and Barbuda’s newly elected Parliament got underway on Monday, marking a key milestone in the country’s democratic cycle following recent general elections. The session opened with the official swearing-in of all elected Members of Parliament, followed by a uncontested vote that confirmed Osbert Frederick’s return to the post of Speaker of the House, with Philmore Benjamin selected to serve as Deputy Speaker.
In his opening address to the chamber, Prime Minister Gaston Browne extended warm congratulations to both Frederick and Benjamin on their new appointments, before laying out the core expectations for their leadership of the parliamentary body. Browne emphasized that the House of Representatives stands as the cornerstone of the nation’s democratic system, describing it as a sacred space where elected representatives exercise the responsibility entrusted to them by voters.
Browne specifically urged Frederick to carry forward his proven record of upholding the chamber’s dignity, order and institutional integrity. He noted that during Frederick’s previous term as Speaker, he faced repeated challenges from opposition lawmakers, but consistently maintained a steady approach rooted in fairness and unwavering firmness. The prime minister called on Frederick to sustain this tradition in the new term, stressing the critical need to prevent parliamentary proceedings from descending into disarray that would undermine the institution’s credibility.
“I have full confidence that both you and Deputy Speaker Benjamin will discharge your important duties with distinction over this coming parliamentary term,” Browne added in closing his remarks.
Shortly after his confirmation, Frederick addressed the chamber to express his gratitude to lawmakers from all parties for the unanimous confidence they placed in him by returning him to the post unopposed. “I regard this opportunity to serve as both a profound honor and a great privilege,” Frederick said, adding that he prayed for divine wisdom and strength to carry out his duties effectively for the benefit of all Antiguans and Barbudans.
As the inaugural sitting drew to a close, Frederick took a moment to extend congratulations to all newly elected members of Parliament on their victory at the polls. He also extended a special welcome to a group of students from Jennings Secondary School, who were observing the sitting from the public gallery as part of an educational outreach program. Encouraging the next generation of leaders, Frederick told the students that with dedication and public service, many of them could one day hold seats in the very chamber they were observing.