New senator calls for unity in the House

Senator Shevern John is encouraging her fellow parliamentarians to carry out their duties as “brothers and sisters” in an effort to promote the best interests of this country.

John, an educator, is one of the newest members of Parliament and one of two senators on the Opposition side of the House of Assembly.

The senator thanked Opposition Leader, Dr Godwin Friday for honoring her with her appointment in the House of Assembly.

“I am a proud Garifuna woman, who stands here today; the first Garifuna woman from North Windward to serve the people of North Windward and by extension, St Vincent and the Grenadines,” she said.

John also thanked her colleagues on the opposing side of the House for the confidence they have expressed in her ability to serve alongside them in Parliament.

John contested the November 5 General Elections on a New Democratic Party ticket in the North Windward constituency, where she went head to head with Unity Labour Party candidate, Montgomery Daniel who was elected to serve as the constituency’s parliamentary representative for a fifth consecutive term.

He also now serves as the Deputy Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

The senator congratulated Daniel in Parliament yesterday.

“…Even [though] we are political opponents, we are not enemies and it is in our best interest, serving here as two representatives from North Windward. I extend a hand, that we will both serve the people whom we love and whose welfare we both seek to advance as members of this Honourable House,” she said.

John is one of four women who were sworn in during yesterday’s sitting of Parliament. Two other female senators, Keisal Peters and Ashelle Morgan now sit on the Government’s side of the House.

Lawyer Rochelle Forde was elevated to the position of Speaker of the House and is the first woman to serve in that role in St Vincent and the Grenadines.