Boatswain joins the Senate in time for the 2010 budget debate that began on his first day as a member of the Upper House.

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, CMC – A former senior minister in the Keith Mitchell administration on Wednesday took the oath to become the newest opposition senator in the Upper House of Parliament.

Anthony Boatswain, who served as planning and economic affairs minister prior to the last general election in 2008, replaces Kennedy Roberts, who resigned from frontline politics to concentrate on studies toward a Doctorate in Health Education.

Boatswain joins the Senate in time for the 2010 budget debate that began on his first day as a member of the Upper House.

“He brings with him a best of experience from his sojourn in another place,” said Senate President Joan Purcell, referring to the former minister’s two terms as an elected Member of the Lower House of Parliament.

Leader of Government Business George Prime described Boatswain as a man of experience who served in all his former capacities with distinction.

“The Senate will be a healthy place with the inclusion of the type of Senator Boatswain,” he said.

Boatswain is one of three senators appointed by Opposition Leader Dr Keith Mitchell. The other opposition senators are Dwight Horsford and Devon Rachae.