Maurice Merchant Announces Dates for Parliament Sitting and Throne Speech

Director General of Communications and government spokesman Maurice Merchant on Thursday announced key dates for the opening of Antigua and Barbuda’s new parliamentary session following the April 30 general election.

Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony for Joel Anderson-Rayne and Tiffany Strann-Peters at Government House, Merchant said the Lower House will meet on Monday, May 18, for the election of a Speaker and Deputy Speaker.

He also announced that the Senate is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, May 20, when senators will take their oaths and conduct the business of the Upper House.

Merchant further confirmed that the ceremonial opening of Parliament and the Throne Speech will take place on Tuesday, May 26, when Governor General Sir Rodney Williams will outline the government’s legislative and policy agenda for the 2026-2027 parliamentary year.

“The 26th, His Excellency will present the government’s plans for 2026-2027 in the speech from the throne,” Merchant said during the ceremony.

Merchant also noted that the swearing-in of Strand-Peters completed the government’s slate of 11 senators in the Upper House.