Wehner Steps – By Kisean Joseph
Wehner Steps Into Senate
Jonathan Wehner, the Public Relations Officer for the United Progressive Party, has been officially appointed to the Senate, thereby becoming one of the youngest individuals ever to sit in the Upper House of Parliament.
The 24-year-old legal scholar received his instrument of appointment at Government House on Monday, on the recommendation of the newly sworn-in Leader of the Opposition, Jamale Pringle, who described Wehner as “a young man with an old head on his shoulder”.
Whener, who has served as the UPP’s acting Public Relations Officer, said he was humbled by the appointment and clear-eyed about what the opposition’s role demands.
“We had General Elections, the government has won, and the people have spoken,” Wehner said. “As an opposition, it is our responsibility not just to oppose, but to hold the government accountable — to keep their feet to the fire and ensure that we have better for Antigua and Barbuda nationally.”
He said his primary focus in the Senate would be advocating for the country’s youth on issues including healthcare, education, employment, and the cost of living.
“Not just to score political points,” Wehner added, “but to ensure that the government is doing its best for the youth of Antigua and Barbuda.”
He credited both his family and the UPP for providing him with the opportunities that shaped his path to the Senate, having served as an executive member and acting PRO before receiving the senatorial appointment.
In a moment of cross-party generosity, Wehner also publicly congratulated his cousin, government senator Shaquan O’Neil, who at 22 years old holds the distinction of being the youngest senator ever appointed in Antigua and Barbuda.
“Even though we’re on different sides of the political aisle, it’s still important to congratulate him,” Wehner said. “Even if we weren’t family, I would still send my congratulations.”
Wehner joins Senators Chester Hughes and Ashworth Azille on the opposition’s bench in the Upper House. A fourth senator, Malaka Parker, will receive her instrument of appointment at a later date as she was unable to attend Monday’s ceremony.
Senator Hughes noted that the UPP’s team brings a formidable combination of expertise to the Senate, including three legally-trained minds, academic credentials, and trade union experience as Wehner, Hughes, and Parker each has law degrees.
