Duo sworn in at Government House
Senator Joel Anderson Rayne was officially sworn in as Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Corporate Governance and Public Private Partnerships at Government House yesterday. The appointment comes just days after Rayne was sworn in as a senator on May 8th. Governor General Sir Rodney Williams who facilitated the swearing-in process, said the role […]
Black News 
Senator Joel Anderson Rayne was officially sworn in as Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Corporate Governance and Public Private Partnerships at Government House yesterday.
The appointment comes just days after Rayne was sworn in as a senator on May 8th.
Governor General Sir Rodney Williams who facilitated the swearing-in process, said the role calls for discipline, dedication and a willingness to serve, adding that the confidence placed in Rayne shows he has what it takes to get the job done.
Rayne said that despite the surprise of the appointment, he remains grateful and focused on the work ahead.
“The feeling is still the same, it’s a surreal feeling. But in anything you do, you must give God thanks. I’d also like to thank the Prime Minister and his Cabinet for putting the confidence and trust in me in this all-important duty, ” he said.
Rayne also said that his new appointment shares a positive message to others of the nation. “When you have dreams and aspirations, don’t put any time frame on it, don’t put no limit on it. As long as you’re alive, you can achieve that goal,” he said.
Meanwhile, Tiffany Anthea Lauren Strann-Peters was officially sworn as a senator.
Sir Rodney noted that with Strann-Peters’ addition, there are now six female senators on the government side.
“With your inclusion, the total number of female senators named to date now rises to six, with one additional senatorial appointment still to come. Together with the women serving in the Lower House, this brings our female parliamentary representation to eight members within our 34-member parliament, one of the highest, if not the highest, of the female parliamentary participants in the history of Antigua and Barbuda.”
He further said that this is an important and encouraging development for our democracy, particularly regarding fellow females of Antigua and Barbuda who seek to take office.
Strann-Peters said the moment is one she has been working towards for a long time.
“I am extremely elated to have been given this opportunity to continue to serve my nation of Antigua and Barbuda. This moment is like a full circle moment, but it’s a humbling moment as well. I would send this message to young women, you should dare to dream, and not only dare to dream, but to work towards the fulfillment of that dream. Because something may not happen in a day, but delayed never means denied.”
