There was a large turnout of family, friends and colleagues at Government House on Monday to celebrate with Senator Clement Marley Mandela Antonio on his elevation to a Minister of State in the Ministry of Works and Housing.
Governor General’s Deputy, Sir Clare Roberts presided at the event that saw Senator Antonio elevate from the post of Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry to a Minister of State. The event was witnessed by members of his immediate family, fellow colleagues in the Senate, including President Senator Alincia Williams-Grant, Senior Senator Mary Clare Hurst, Leader of Government Business in the Senate, Sen. Shenella Govia among others.
There were also members of staff from the Ministry of Works and Housing as well as from the Development Control Authority, where he served as chairman at one time. A contingent from the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party Youth Arm was also on hand to congratulate Senator Antonio.
A team of Chinese technicians which has developed a course working relationship with Senator Antonio was also invited to the swearing in ceremony.
Although not present because of overseas duties, both Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Minister of Works, Maria Browne, the senior minister in the ministry, both conveyed their congratulations to the new Minister of State Antonio.
In his remarks, Sir Clare noted that the Ministry of Works plays a pivotal role in advancing the nation’s efforts toward a sustainable development framework. “It is through this ministry that the lifeblood of our nation’s infrastructure flows, our roads, bridges, drainage systems, public buildings, and countless other facilities that define the everyday experience of our citizens and visitors alike,” He observed.
Sir Clare said the Ministry is also central to the country’s resilience, how it responds to and recovers from disasters, how it maintains critical infrastructure, and how it adapts to climate change.
“As Minister of State, you assume your portfolio at a time marked by a surge in public expectations. Having witnessed notable progress and positive changes in service delivery, particularly in road repair, maintenance, and housing, the public now recognises that even greater achievements are within reach. This momentum has naturally led to heightened aspirations and growing demands. I therefore encourage the Ministry to continue research into the use of environmentally responsible materials, cost-saving technologies, and design methods that respect both our climate goals and fiscal realities,” he stated.
Senator Hurst also expressed words of congratulations to Senator Antonio, noting that she has watched him develop and mature to the person he is today. “I couldn’t be prouder than I am at this moment,” she declared.
Senator Antonio was asked to swear to three oaths; the Oath of Allegiance, the Oath of Office and the Oath of Secrecy.
