Senator Jamilla Kirwan is the newest appointee to the Upper House of parliament following her swearing in at a ceremony at Government House on Thursday.
She was appointed a Senator by the Governor General, Sir Rodney Williams, acting under the powers given to him under Chapter IV, Part 1, Section 28(4) of the Constitution of Antigua and Barbuda. Under this section, the Governor General is empowered to appoint Independent Senators in his ‘own deliberate judgment’.
“This mechanism strengthens our parliamentary system by ensuring that voices of balance, reflection, and independence are always present in national debates,” Sir Rodney stated in his remarks at the swearing in ceremony.
He revealed that his appointment of Senator Kirwan followed careful consideration and the required consultations, and it reflects confidence in her integrity, her judgment and her long-standing contributions to society. He added that she comes to the role with a rich and multifaceted portfolio of experience.
These include her more than two decades as a respected media practitioner, her work in the creative and performing arts, especially the theatre as well as her philanthropic work, which he described as ‘equally impactful’.
In her response, Senator Kirwan said she was ‘deeply honoured and profoundly humbled to accept the appointment as an Independent Senator’.
“My journey to this moment has been shaped by many roles: mother, daughter, communications specialist, self-development coach, mentor, actor and most recently, cancer survivor.
“Each chapter of my life has taught me resilience, empathy, discipline and the importance of listening. It has shown me that leadership is not about elevation; it is about service; stepping into rooms not for recognition, but for representation and fulfilment,” she remarked.
The new senator accepts that her mandate as an Independent Senator is quite clear; to evaluate issues objectively, and to bring balance, perspective and fairness to national debates. “I intend to carry out this role with diligence, humility and devotion – rooted always in truth, transparency, and the best interest of the people of Antigua and Barbuda,” she indicated.
According to Senator Kirwan, she is especially passionate about youth empowerment, community development and women’s advancement, particularly meaningful today as the world observes 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.
