Gail Christian is an Antiguan politician and former senator.

Early life and education

Gail A. J. Christian obtained her early education at the Antigua Girls’ High School, where she obtained her Secondary School Diploma, with eight ‘O’ Level subjects. She then pursued her Advanced Levels at the Antigua State College, obtaining certificates in Law, History, General Studies and Politics.

Her choice of subjects at the Antigua State College gave a clear indication at an early age that Gail’s career interests centred on law.

After graduating from the Antigua State College, she entered the University of Wolverhampton in the United Kingdom , where she obtained her LLB Degree (Honours) in 1997.

She then took the English Bar Course at the BPP School of Law and obtained the Council of Legal Education Certificate from the Eugene Law School.

Career

In 1998, equipped with her training in law, Gail returned home and served a summer apprenticeship with prominent legal firm, Lake and Kentish.

Taking a big step one year later, she joined the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs as a Public Prosecutor with the position of Crown Counsel 11. She was attached as Prosecutor to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and to the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda.

After a two-year stint as a Public Prosecutor, Gail returned to private practice in 2001 as Associate Counsel in the Chambers of Lockhart, Mendes & Co., where she handled matters dealing with debt collecting and as Counsel for General Court Proceedings, including Criminal, Traffic and Family Law, with representations at the High Court level.

In 2009, Christian unsuccessfully contested the St. John’s Rural West seat for the Antigua Labour Party (ALP). She was appointed Minority Leader in the Senate and served until July 2013. She later resigned from the ALP in 2013.

In 2014, Christian was appointed as Antigua and Barbuda's Ambassador to Mexico.

In 2018, Christian was re-appointed to the Senate of Antigua and Barbuda.

ELECTION TIMELINE

Year District Party Votes % votes Result Notes 2009 St. John's Rural West Antigua Labour Party 1,753 43.69% Lost to Baldwin Spencer (UPP) 2004 St. John's Rural West Antigua Labour Party 1,318 38.829% Lost to Baldwin Spencer (UPP)

PARLIAMENTARY TIMELINE

Post Chamber Party Date Government Senator Senate ABLP 26 Mar 2018 - present Minority Leader in the Senate Senate ALP 2009 - 2013