Independent senator, in the Upper Chamber of Parliament, Sen. Kiz Johnson, will
observe the first anniversary since her appointment this weekend with much
satisfaction with her achievements in the first year in office.
She told Point Express that her first year was phenomenal. “I have to say that it has
been a pleasure serving in the Senate as an Independent Lawmaker. I enjoy it
immensely. You must observe how my eyes lit up just knowing that I am a part of
shaping the laws of this country which will impact not only our current generation
but that of our future generation brings me joy.”
Much as she has enjoyed her experiences over the past year, one of which was
representing Antigua and Barbuda as the country’s standard bearer at King Charles
the Third’s Coronation, Sen. Johnson believes that there is some misunderstanding
among the public about her role as an independence senator.
For her, this is a major challenge. “The only challenge with this role is that there is
still a perception that the Independent Senator is not really “independent” by virtue
of the fact that I am the Governor General’s appointee and the Governor General is
himself appointed by the Prime Minister,” she bemoaned.
According to Se. Johnson the confusion in the minds of many people is manifested
by the comments they make in their social media postings.
“I have been looking at the comments online following my debate presentations
and some people still do not understand who is an Independent Senator, some have
said that I am opposition senator while some have asked if I am a Government
Senator.
“An Independent Senator is not affiliated with any political party nor represents the
interest of any political party. That in my capacity as an Independent Senator, I
represent the interests of the people, the ones who are underserved or do not wish
to channel their views through a political party. The views of the average man must
be represented and I take pleasure in speaking on behalf of these groups in our
society,” she stated.
Despite this however, Sen. Johnson believes that generally there is what she
termed ‘a good view’ of her within the body politic. “The only comment that is not
very appealing is that the independent senator is not a necessarily a popular
position within the parliamentary structure, so it takes some work to stamp your
name in this capacity and to be embraced by society. Overall, I think people are
beginning to warm up to the idea of the Independent Senator based on my
contributions so far in the Senate,” she added.
