President Dame Sandra Mason has appealed to the seven Independent Senators sworn in on Tuesday to commit to their role as independent legislators in the Upper House.
Speaking to the senators after they took the oath at State House, Dame Sandra said that they must fully accept and understand that they are serving the people of Barbados and should do so in a real independent fashion.
Former Opposition Senator Crystal Drakes will return to the Chamber to serve as an Independent Senator. The President also chose businessman Andrew Mallalieu as a first-time senator.
Kevin Boyce, Monique Taitt Q.C., Reverend Dr John Rogers, Dr Christopher Maynard and Lindell Nurse, are the five persons returning Independent Senators.
“I want to say a sincere thank you to the ones who are returning for agreeing to give Barbados the valiant service that you have given for the past three years or so. I expect that you would continue in the mode in which you have fashioned being an Independent Senator.
“To the two new Senators, I want you to fully understand what independence means, not only in reference to independent Barbados, but independence in giving of service to Barbados,” she said.
“I do not know what political party to which you belong or for which you voted, but I want to get your full acceptance and understanding that you are serving the people of Barbados and you would do that in a real independent fashion. I do not want to have anybody who is going to feel that their independence is going to be in any way tarnished, although I don’t expect that it will be,” Dame Sandra added.
Meanwhile, Senator Drakes who thanked the President for choosing her to serve in the Upper House, said she was humbled and honored to fulfill that role at a time the country has no Opposition, as was the case post the 2018 election. Drakes said the Senate will have to conduct the checks and balances on the Government.
However, she said regardless of senators’ political allegiance, they are tasked with the responsibility to put the concerns and the needs of the Barbadian public first before making decisions.
“I have always tried to be as impartial as possible and a lot of the contributions that I would have made in the past would have always been for the betterment of Barbados. So, in terms of policy decisions, I will always have that critical analysis, in terms of providing solutions and expanding on anything that needs critiquing. But I assure you that as Her Excellency just noted, that I would serve in the most independent way possible,” she added.
Senator Drakes, an economist, said she looks forward to speaking on matters of economic development, environmental and social sustainability among other topics.
Senator Dr Maynard promised that his time in the Senate will produce positive outcomes for the people of the county, while noting that it has never been his job to obstruct the Government.
Senator Dr Rogers, was also pleased that President Mason placed the confidence in him to articulate the views of the people and said it is an honour to serve the nation in any way possible.
“I believe you can expect much of the same from me, to be independent. Our role is simply to be a check and balance on the work of the Government, but we are government as well and a part of the duty is to ensure that the policies that are put in place are for the betterment of all Barbadians,” said the Anglican cleric.
Senator Taitt, said she was humbled by the request for her to serve once again and gave the assurance that she will do her best as she anticipates robust discussion as the country looks ahead to deal with its new Republic status.
First time Senator Mallalieu said he was excited to begin his journey which he described as a big responsibility. The businessman said he was prepared to help his country during the difficult times, while taking advice from the private sector to form opinions of issues that will be discussed in the Chamber.
“I am smart enough to know that I don’t know everything and I will be listening a lot to what the community has to say and hopefully I will represent them to the best of my ability in an independent fashion. So yes, I am excited but a little bit nervous in all honesty. It is a big task,” Senator Mallalieu said.
Attorney-at-law Senator Boyce said it would be interesting to see how the dialog goes as steps are made to shape the nation as a Republic, especially with regards to the proposed Constitution.
“There are a lot of statements being made right now with regards to what should be done and how it should be done. Hopefully I can bring an impartial aspect in taking all these different viewpoints and put them forward within the confines of the Senate,” he said.
anestahenry@barbadostoday.bb
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