One of the youngest senators to be appointed to the Upper House of Parliament, Caleb Gardiner, says his new role could serve to show other young people what they are capable of achieving if they follow their dreams.
Speaking moments after he was presented with his instruments of appointment at a ceremony at Government House on Thursday, Senator Gardiner, who turned 23 earlier this week, thanked Prime Minister Gaston Browne for singling him out for this special role.
He said the prime minister’s decision confirms the government’s thrust to involve young people in the nation’s decision-making, growth and development.
“I am elated and thankful for this appointment, to be a beacon of hope and an inspiration to other young people, that through hard work and determination, as well as humility, they too can achieve their goals,” he stated.
Gardiner said his personal goals as the country’s newest senator include increasing young people’s awareness of various government policies and interpreting the plans outlined in them in a way his peers can easily relate to.
“Whatever bills are being considered in parliament, I plan to use my platform to sensitise young people of the importance of these bills and to break down the language in a way that they can understand.
“Additionally, I would like to start a programme for young men to get them involved as too often, young men are ‘forgotten’ members of society.
“My plans also include programmes aimed not only at males, but for all youth in the society,” he declared.
Senator Gardiner, who resides in Villa, is a graduate of the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus.
He is also an active member of JCI Antigua.
