Lisa Jawahir and Terrence St. Clair were sworn in as senators in Saint Lucia’s Upper House on Thursday morning. The two were originally scheduled to take the oath of office on October 1 but were a no show for the sitting. They were also absent for a sitting held the following day. Their absence was tied to the tabling of the controversial COVID-19 (Prevention and Control) Bill.
Jawahir and St. Clair replace Joachim Henry and Gerome Gedeon. Guibion Ferdinand will serve as the leader of Opposition business in the Senate.
Marcella Johnson and Jacintha Lee were also sworn is as temporary Independent senators on Thursday. Attorney General Stephen Julien had initially stated that the two would only serve for the October 2 sitting.
At the start of today’s sitting, Senate President, Jeannine Giraudy-McIntyre, explained why their services were required: “I have received a letter of excuse from [Independent] Senator Mauricia Thomas-Francis stating that she is unable to attend today’s sitting due to bereavement. I have also received a letter of excuse from [Independent] Senator Dr. Adrian Augier informing that he is in isolation in accordance with COVID-19 protocols.”
She added: “Newly appointed senators, you have taken your place amongst us this morning. The Senate is the chamber of sober, second thought. Order and decorum must be preserved but remember also, that this chamber must also allow for robust exchange and passionate debate. And so I extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to you Senator Jawahir, Senator St. Clair, Senator Lee and Senator Johnson. I trust that you sojourn with us will be productive and very enjoyable.”
New Senator speaks
Prior to the swearing in, Jawahir told reporters that she was “extremely disappointed” with the circumstances which led to the delay. “I think it’s really sad that the proceedings happened in the manner in which they happened,” she said. “It happened very quickly and we did not get an opportunity to speak. We were just really encouraging the government to have a sit down, engage the stakeholders but that did not happen. But I am here today and I’m indeed humbled by the opportunity and I will take this opportunity to share my voice on those issues.”
The new senator is hoping to be an inspiration. “When I sat on my first Market Steps experience, I was interviewed by a gentleman from the STAR and I believe that happened on a Wednesday. The Saturday, front and center, my face was on the newspaper and the first comment that I saw online was very degrading.
“But I have been preparing for it, I understand that people will make those attacks, they will try to go down to the gutter but it’s not my intention to go down there with them. So I intend to be different and hopefully persons out there, young persons and women alike, can see that and aspire to be in a situation like this,” said Jawahir.
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