Barbados: New Senators Sworn in by President Dame Sandra Mason

Opposition leader Ralph Thorne’s hand picked senators Tricia Watson & Ryan Walters, were sworn in at the state house by President Dame Sandra Mason on the morning of February 13^th 2024. Watson is an attorney at law with a post qualification experience of over twenty five years, she’s been very vocal about her concerns with regards to the proposed increased rates of light and power; she also acts as the leading legal advisor for the same sector of government. In a press release she stated “this is a furtherance of service and it’s a service to the people of Barbados, and to the country as an entity” and that her key issues she intends to lobby for are “energy justice is my advocacy platform at the moment; and generally, to advocate for the rights of consumers”. Walters, an established prominent businessman and entrepreneur who recently ran for the presidency of the Democratic Labour Party and was the 3^rd Vice President of the DLP in 22-23. Walters stated “I see my role in the senate as complimentary to any opposing voice of any other interest groups in Barbados, I remain committed to the DLP” Thorne lauded the new senators and emphasised their “merit” and vouched for their good character demonstrated through their loyalty to the culture of Barbados stating that “they’re both spouses, parents and they’re both children to great parents” Thorne also praises their educational merit and it’s benefit to the senate as well as the people of Barbados.

Both of the new senators were sworn in by the country’s first president Dame Sandra Mason. Walters took to Facebook to express his gratitude for such an honor.

He writes “Rest assured I do not take this oath lightly. I do not take the confidence which Leader of the Opposition Ralph Thorne has reposed in me lightly. I do not take the well-wishes and genuine words of encouragement lightly. I am forever humbled by all of it.”

Walters, who has garnered immense goodwill in the public eye was met with words of congratulations and encouragement on this new chapter of his career.