Barbados’ newest senator, 30-year-old Roshanna Trim, was officially sworn in on Friday, as the youngest current member of the Upper House and one of the youngest ever appointed to the Senate.
In a heartfelt address following her swearing-in ceremony at State House, Trim expressed gratitude to her family, mentors, and political leaders for supporting her journey into public service.
“I am honoured to have been offered the privilege to serve Barbados in this capacity as a senator,” she said. “I am grateful to the prime minister, the Barbados Labour Party, my mother and my family for the support over the years, but also to those who have walked with me throughout the many phases of my life thus far—from the Barbados National Youth Parliament, the Barbados Youth Development Council and the other community groups, to the young women that we work with through Pink Parliament and through leadership.”
She added: “I remain committed to the communities and the persons that I started with and that I plan to continue with throughout this journey, but also to the entirety of Barbados and young people as we continue to work for the best of Barbados and progress and development here in Barbados.”
Trim, who began her civic involvement at just 14 years old, has steadily climbed through the ranks of youth organisations, including serving as Prime Minister of the Barbados National Youth Parliament and being active in the United Youth Leaders of Barbados.
“My first community outreach was the Barbados Youth Development Youth Festival[or should that be Council?]. I went on to be the secretary there,” she recalled. “I’ve served in other capacities throughout my life . . . I don’t know that I was necessarily working towards being a senator, but I do know that I was working towards continuously offering myself in service and in leadership. So this feels as though it is a progression—and one that I appreciate.”
Asked if she aspired to be prime minister one day, she responded: “I am hoping to continue to offer myself in service and if so called, then yes.”
She has also pledged to represent the interests of young people in the Senate, citing critical issues such as education reform, food security, and climate change as priorities.
“The government has been committed to addressing many of those concerns,” she stated. “We must ensure that we continue to provide opportunities for young people to thrive both in Barbados and abroad.”
Trim’s family was visibly emotional at the ceremony. Her mother, Wendy Trim, beamed with pride: “I’m very proud to see the young lady that she has grown to be . . . I know she will continue to do her best, always being a talkative child from a baby. She always likes talking, so I know she will do her best.”
Her brother, Rondell Trim, praised her determination and influence. He said: “This is a product of the work that she’s done. I don’t think that it’s something that she’s been looking for, but it is something that she deserves. She’s an inspiration to me . . . I know that she’ll continue to do phenomenal work over the years.”
Prime Minister Mia Mottley, who delivered special remarks, welcomed Senator Trim with words of wisdom and encouragement.
“It is our distinct pleasure to welcome you as our youngest member of Parliament now,” Mottley said. “You are about to enter a different phase in your life. And in these moments, it is important not just to be reflective, but to also understand what we will stand for, and what we will bring, and whom we shall stand for.”
Drawing on her own experience as a young minister, Mottley advised the new senator to uphold values of discretion, discipline and dedication.
“Discretion, dedicated efforts, discipline, research—those are the things that 40 years from now, when you and others are standing in the corridors of power, I expect you to be passing on to a future generation,” she said. (SZB)
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