‘WE ARE HONOURED’

Six of the seven Independent Senators selected by Governor General of Barbados, Her Excellency Dame Sandra Mason, were officially sworn in at Government House yesterday.

Addressing the six newly-appointed senators Kevin John Boyce, The Reverend Michael Bruce St. John Maxwell, Christopher Austin Maynard, Toni Nicole Sherry-Ann Moore, The Hon. Lindell Elon Nurse and Monique Cheryl Taitt following the brief swearing-in ceremony, the Governor General admonished them to be faithful, as well as impartial over the next five years, as they serve in the best interest of the country. She later reminded them, albeit with a bit of humour, that she will be looking on.

Dame Sandra Mason meanwhile explained that the seventh Independent Senator, Alphea Margot Wiggins could not be present, as she is currently overseas. However, she will have a “business interest” when she takes her place in the Senate.

Monique Taitt, daughter of the late Sir Brandford Taitt, a former President of the Senate, noted that she was honoured to be named as one to serve in the Senate.

“I am both humbled and honoured that Her Excellency saw it fit to bestow this amazing reward I would say or honour upon me. I am committed to ensuring that I follow my remit, which is to engage in matters which are of interest to the people of Barbados. It is just a matter of me continuing my service to country in a non-partisan way and I am particularly pleased,” she commented.

She added, “It’s been a moving experience for me, because as you would know, my father was the President of the Senate, so today is an emotional day for me as well. I am to some extent following in his footsteps. I can’t fill them, because he was large, but it is an honour.”

General Secretary of the Barbados Worker’s Union (BWU), Toni Moore noted that she is particularly proud to serve her country, in this new role.

“I am particularly honoured to be able to continue my representation for the constituent base I have in particular... The Barbados Workers’ Union has served in this capacity for some time. My predecessor Sir Roy (Trotman), he served as a Senator as well and I am honoured to be able to continue and perhaps even expand that legacy,” she remarked.

Kevin Boyce, son of former Minister of Health John Boyce, whilst expressing gratitude for being afforded the opportunity to serve in the Senate, noted that his focus will be on the youth, culture and sports.

“I am thankful. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve and I hope to bring a perspective from my years in practice in Barbados as an Attorney-at-Law and hopefully make a difference,” he said.

Acknowledging that he could draw from the experiences of his dad who has also served in the Senate, he however stressed that as is required, he will be objective and impartial, as he focuses on what is best for Barbados. (RSM)