Senator Fabian Jones returned to the Senate on Monday after taking the oath of allegiance, following his reappointment on the advice of the Barbuda Council to Governor General Sir Rodney Williams.

Jones, a member of the Barbuda People’s Movement, was sworn in shortly after the sitting opened, with Senate President Alincia Williams-Grant welcoming him back to the Upper House.

His return restores the Senate to its full complement following recent changes that saw both the government and opposition appoint several younger senators.

Making his first contribution after his return, Jones spoke briefly during debate on the Fatal Accidents Bill 2026, focusing on what he described as an inconsistency between Clauses 2 and 4 of the legislation.

He noted that Clause 2 broadens the definition of a dependent to include a person who lived with the deceased in the same household for at least three years as a husband or wife. However, he argued that the same category of person was omitted from Clause 4, which specifies who is entitled to claim damages for bereavement.

Jones urged lawmakers to ensure the bill’s provisions were consistent so that individuals recognised as dependents under the interpretation section would also be eligible to seek bereavement damages where appropriate.

The Fatal Accidents Bill 2026 was later approved by a majority vote after the government’s proposed version prevailed over opposition amendments during the committee stage.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Jones Returns to Senate, Raises Concern Over Fatal Accidents Bill.