Roshanna Trim takes seat in Senate

Newly appointed Senator Roshanna Trim made her first appearance in the Senate on Wednesday since her swearing-in last month, receiving a warm welcome from President of the Chamber, Senator Reginald Farley, and fellow senators.

Trim was appointed to the Upper House following the departure of Chad Blackman, who vacated his seat in June to assume the role of Minister of Educational Transformation.
Farley extended best wishes to the 30-year-old senator, the youngest member of the current Senate, noting that while she may be new to the role, she was no stranger to the chamber, having previously served in the National Youth Parliament.

“I want to welcome you to the chamber. In many ways, you’re not entirely a stranger to the chamber. You visited it as a youth parliamentarian, and Youth Parliament holds its debates here. The difference is that these are real debates; your voice and vote are larger and more important,” he said.

“I certainly look forward to the same drive [and] enthusiasm that you displayed in the Youth Parliament and other youth leadership. We welcome you. We look forward to your counsel. And remember that, notwithstanding you may be chronologically the most junior, there is no seniority in the chamber, and we expect, therefore, your full participation and contribution to all matters which are before us.”

In response, Senator Trim rose “with a heart full of gratitude and humility”, acknowledging the significance of now serving as a full member of the legislature.

“Having served as a National Youth Parliamentarian, as mentioned, I’m no stranger to the chamber. However, of course, I recognise the work that is done here within the Senate, and so I want to thank you,” she said.
Trim went on to express gratitude to God for “ordering [her] steps”, as well as to her family, community, party, the League of Young Socialists, the prime minister, and the government.

“I thank them for the confidence in me and I hope to do the work that has been assigned and that the people of Barbados look forward to us doing as we continue to contribute to the development of Barbados and building a better life for our people,” she added.

Trim, sworn in on June 27 at State House, is a former prime minister of the National Youth Parliament and a longtime youth advocate. (SM)