Lamin Newton Says Election Defeat Is Behind Him as He Returns to Senate With Focus on Education

Senator Lamin Newton says he is putting his recent election defeat behind him as he prepares to return to the Upper House with a renewed focus on education, scholarships and national development.

Newton, who was reappointed to the Senate following the April 30 general election, spoke after Friday’s swearing-in ceremony at Government House, where he described himself as both “great” and “excited” about returning to Parliament.

“I think it’s known that I just suffered an election defeat,” Newton said. “However, that is behind me. I’m looking forward to bigger and better things.”

The former All Saints East and St. Luke candidate for the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party said the experience has given him an opportunity to reflect and reassess areas for improvement moving forward.

“The good thing about this is that now I have time and I have the data so I can do a clear assessment as to the areas that I need to work on,” he said.

Newton indicated that education would become one of his major priorities during the new parliamentary term, saying he hopes to work with educational institutions to create scholarship opportunities for people who may not otherwise have access.

“I’ve developed a great passion for education,” he said. “I want to partner with some of the learning institutions or more learning institutions so that I can offer scholarships to individuals who are less fortunate.”

The senator described education as one of the most powerful tools for social mobility and equality.

“I’ve always said that education is the one key that unlocks the door for everybody,” Newton said. “It brings equality to every strata of society.”

While emphasizing education as a major focus going forward, Newton also acknowledged the continued importance of infrastructure development.

“Of course, infrastructure work continues,” he said, adding that “education is going to be a focus and a highlight for me going forward.”

Newton was among 10 government senators sworn in Friday as Parliament continues to be reconstituted following the general election.

He is expected to formally take his seat when the Senate convenes on May 20.