Parliamentary democracy under threat in Dominica former Trinidad Justice Minister says

Volney is former Justice Minister of Trinidad and Tobago. Photo: Facebook
Volney is former Justice Minister of Trinidad and Tobago. Photo: Facebook

Former Justice Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dominican Herbert Volney said he is appalled by the proceedings in the House of Assembly in Dominica saying parliamentary democracy is under threat due to the “dictatorship” of the Speaker of the House, Alix Boyd-Knights.

In a post on his Facebook page, Volney said he watched House proceedings on Monday and “I am appalled at what I have seen.”

“I have had the great privilege of being a member of the House of Representatives in Trinidad and Tobago and to witness and be part of the proceedings there,” he said. “Parliamentary democracy in Dominica is under threat by the dictatorship of a Speaker, unelected by the people, who presides over the conduct of the chamber as a school teacher would in a Primary School.”

He said one of the bills, that was being argued in the house, “required the latitude of free speech and relaxation of the strictures of court rules in order to allow the Opposition to express their concerns.”

“While relevance is important there is much room for a Speaker to allow for a more relaxed and respectful approach to the debate. She was quick to shut down member after member on the Opposition citing standing orders,” Volney stated. “I am saddened to say but this Speaker is painting a very negative image of parliamentary privilege and conduct by stifling the say of the Opposition. The Government side will have its way at the end of the day but it is important that the Opposition be given an opportunity to have its say. I have been privileged to have watched the modus operandi of Dominican Speakers Winston, Cools-Lartigue, and Davis-Pierre in the House of Assembly. Their approach was not legalistic as is that of Madame Speaker today, and fine debating skills were allowed to develop and flourish.”

He said such attitude is embarassing to him in the diaspora.

“My advice to the Opposition is to walk out en masse until the Speaker understands that this is not her classroom and the chamber belongs not to her but to the elected members. I heard no one on the government side cite a standing order objection and it is not for the Speaker to do the work of the members on the government side,” he stated. “The Prime Minister must seriously now consider the damage that the Speaker is doing to the image of his governance of Dominica by her outlandish conduct in presiding over the chamber, and the desirability of retiring her to pasture.”

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127 Comments

  1. "No Respector of Persons"
    June 29, 2016

    I followed Parliament proceedings during its entirety and voiced my disgust at the way in which the speaker of the house was talking to the members of the opposition, and to my amazement, I got the bashing of my life from DLP followers who called me a bitter UWP rite. I have never voted for any party. I was speechless at the love and adoration shown towards DLP, that clouded the minds of so called people with common sense, or do they have any?

    Mr. Volney, the speaker has the authority to behave that way because she has been allowed to do so from inception of her seating into the house. Sad but true

  2. forreal
    June 29, 2016

    DNO will you guys kindly seek out the speaker of the house in response to this mans accusations or observations..her side of the story would really shed some light on this matter,am not hitting on you guys,but this makes responsible journalism…thank you

    • Favoured
      June 30, 2016

      Partner is today we know the side of the Speaker nuh! Where have you been nuh l? The speaker has levelled insults and innuendos against the opposition both sarcastically and in a direct way over the last 16 years. In that very session she insulted parliamentarians by bringing to question their ability to comprehend basic English and even challenged their IQ. It is obvious she was referring to the opposition.Added to that she allowed Justina Charles and others to roam all over the place with their presentation but restricted the opposition not allowing them the same, previlege. Danny and other opposition members having experienced that kind of abuse on many previous occasions, Danny simply said to her I love you, but I hate the demons in you. I wonder if he had said I love you but love even more the angels in you, if she would have been offended the same way.

  3. EnfantDiable
    June 29, 2016

    A strategy for the IMMEDIATE removal of Alicks Boyd from the office of Speaker must be worked on. Civil society, political parties, articulate progressive priests and pastors-e.g. Fr. Jolly, Rev, William W. Watty, Pastor Rodney, Fr. Cuffy,-trade unions, industry & commerce interests,etc. must begin that process with a seminar on “The role of a Speaker in Westminster Model Parliaments” .Panelists to be selected from: Mr Herby Volney, Former Speaker Mrs. Neva Edwards, Mr Justice Sir Brian Alleyne, Mrs Jennifer White-former Clerk of the House, Mrs. Jennifer Astaphan -former PS and Chief Establishment Officer, Mr Elluid Williams-former Acting President, Mr Phillip Nassief and Mr. Ivor Nassief, Mr N A N Ducreay and the Kalinago Chief.

  4. Louis Bernard
    June 29, 2016

    I would like to commend Mr Herbert Volney for his very objective observations contained in this article, and hope that he would continue to demonstrate his fair and balanced findings as he has done in the above article.
    -Finally, I would like to request him to review and publish his findings (in this and other media) on the selected Dominicans residing outside of the country, not paying any taxes in the country, illegally voting in h elections; updating and not padding the voters’ list; disclosure of funds received from the sale of passports, consolidating or otherwise formalizing power of the existing PM. and creating the position of executive president later to be filled by______ when he no longer holds his existing position..

    • forreal
      June 29, 2016

      excuse me..the persons you are demeaning are the ones who’s hard earned currency’s being sent to dominica which pays the taxes,check the percentage of foreign income before you spew crap,and to further enlighten you,anyone who owns land in dominica which resides in the diaspora,are large land tax payers

      • Dominican
        June 29, 2016

        Who pays land tax in Dominica? Unless I am misinformed, nobody does. When you register property, you pay a tax as you do when you buy and sell (both buyer & seller pay with the latter a nominal 2.5%) but these are one-off payments only, not on an on=going, annual basis. We pay no inheritance tax or capital gains tax, as opposed to the U.S. or U.K.
        there are also the bi-lateral agreements to avoid double taxation, say between the U.K. and Dominica. You obviously do not pay any tax here at all, If you did you would have known better.

    • Whereas he may appear balanced, he is simply looking out for Volney; he is trying to slip into Dominica politics, since there is no place to go in Trinidad where he was rejected as a judge, and fired when he went into politics, and was a minister in government.

      His first ambition when he attempted to kiss up to Skerrit was to attack Lennox Linton. I suspect since Skerrit ignored him, and did not accommodate him; he decided to attack the Lady Speaker in revenge! He is one of the destroyers of Dominica in 1979.

      That came out of his very own mouth at the time when he was attacking Lennox earlier this year.

  5. Me
    June 29, 2016

    Demons in the House? What next? Cloven hoofs, lizard tails, horns and split, tongues? Beware of people wearing long, accommodating raiments smelling of sulphur. Danny, apart from your cross wear a sachet of garlic around your neck to keep those demons at bay.

  6. Toute Twele Roy
    June 29, 2016

    That Madame Speaker has to exercise flexibility. When will that nonsense stop. I am not a lawyer, but common sense tells us that the role of the speaker is to guide and not control the members of the house. Marie Davis Pierre, Ossie Symes, Neva Edwards these were speakers even if they supported what ever party, it did not show so glaringly in the eyes of the public during the house of assembly. I tired with that speaker and that old house.

  7. Helas!
    June 29, 2016

    Mr. Volney, thank you for not only being Educated but strong, not many persons of substance show that kind of strength and character, you will now faced personal attacks and insults from the less fortunate in terms of education, honesty , morality, integrity, etc but well done , I salute you!!!!

  8. South City
    June 29, 2016

    The people of Dominica always misjudge good people. The opposition working overtime like the devil to fool the nation. Volney better watch his seat in Trinidad. Trinidad Government is more corrupt than what we have in DA. sAVE THE SPEECH FOR YOURSELF SIR, YOU LEFT YEARS AGO.

    • Karla
      June 29, 2016

      He made a very valid point. We have no dictator in parliament, why would the speaker think she have the authority to do what she did. Mr. Volney is right, what the speaker is doing is wrong!!! Dominica is an independent country, she cannot shut people down from giving their point of view. Does it matter how long he were out of Dominica? Wake up fool.

    • kewl
      June 29, 2016

      Shut your donkey, you ignoramus Let mr volney talk he have no sit to guard in T&T,the people of St.Joseph,Champ Fleur have their MP. So hush please and be rational if you know what that means.

  9. Kramez
    June 29, 2016

    Why don’t he clean out Trinidad criminals and killers before he looks at other countries

    • Me
      June 29, 2016

      Mr. Volney is a citizen of the Commonwealth of Dominica and whether he votes red, green pink, blue or no party at all is not not going to change that.

    • Ex da lawman
      June 29, 2016

      He is a born Dominican.Obviously he is putting Dominica first which some of you all dont know how to do.He is speaking the truth.Why attack him? We are a nation in grave denial.

    • lyn
      June 30, 2016

      you cant even right properly. be quiet

  10. Storm
    June 29, 2016

    It was a shame to have her. It is a shame having her as speaker of the house.. For years she has been treating the Parliament like a pre-school class.. This lady unfortunately is very disrespectful and arrogant especially toward the opposition.
    She must all the politicians to debate. For years she has been shielding Skerritt..
    This speaker doesn’t love the malayee. Because she is a lawyer by profession…. She thinks that she is in court with school boys. Time to get this old speaker out of that job… She is crippling Dominica….
    Well said Mr Volney.. Former Member of Parliament n Justice at the high court in Tnt. When you speak tell them Sue u uuuu. They fraid you cause you more quality than them. Teach them.. Teach that out of place speaker. Opposition walk out. Walk out on her……
    Job well done Mr Volney…

  11. Face the Facts
    June 28, 2016

    As if T & T is better.
    Discipline and respect in The House! There is no other way! Everyone must comprehend that.
    Who approached you and invited you to provide your comments? I suppose it is someone who is against the present government.
    He appears to be a pro UWP. He should keep his mouth shut since he is not a Dominican.
    Those who are pro DLP are outnumbered on this Website by UWP supporters. Therein lies the bias of the latter.
    It is observed that some people, also on this Website do not ask questions. They assume according to their mentality, throwing mapwee and lambaste. It is the identical attitude of these opposition politicians. This is their style, the manner in which they see and view matters. They are the ones who must learn how to communicate and amicably so.
    Who should take those types of politicians seriously, also in Parliament?
    The Speaker of the House is against UWP politicians.
    Man, I take your words with a grain of salt.

    • REASONING
      June 29, 2016

      So-called face the facts, your name does not suit you,cause you always fail to be objective! It’s not about whether Trinidad is better,it’s about the message,Trinidad being worse does not justify Dominica following such route.

  12. UK RESIDENT
    June 28, 2016

    That’s the same Gentleman that Genuflected to Skerrit back in December 2015. It’s interesting that he seems appalled by the behavior of the Speaker and Skerrit & encourages the Opposition to walk out. Could this be an attempt to trick the Opposition to walk out and give Skerrit an excuse to expel them, then contest their Seats? Contrast article from December 2015 & decide.

    http://www.caribbeannewsnow.com/news/_files/Image/2015/12/22/herbert_volney.jpg

  13. duck1951
    June 28, 2016

    Whether Mr Volney is in favor of the Government or not has nothing to with the behavior of the Speaker,
    whose job it is to be non-partisan and facilitate discussion , That’s it ! wrong is wrong ! Kudos to him for saying it like it is .

  14. knowledge
    June 28, 2016

    mr volney needs to be eleted as house speaker……….we need to trrow that old speaker away because when it playing is nothing but distortion i hearing. put down that old speaker before it to late….what do we have to do to elect a new speaker of the house……lets take action before its too late,

    • Motive
      June 30, 2016

      Funny you alluded to the subject matter. That’s exactly what Mr. Volney is aspiring to! Don’t be fooled by this pretext. He’s got an ulterior motive.

  15. June 28, 2016

    What is more sickening other than the Speakers disgraceful; arrogant utterances during parliamentary debates is the acceptance by the whole bunch of Recalcitrant (DLP) parliamentarians who laugh and jeer like is was some kind of stand-up comedy. Well then again they have turned the place into the House of Ass-embly.

  16. justSayinng
    June 28, 2016

    Hear, Hear
    Very well said Mr Speaker
    I hope both the Ayes and the Ears have it.

  17. I concur
    June 28, 2016

    Sir I am on your facebook page and I used to hurt when i would read some of your posts which were in sole support of the corrupt regime. Your past shows that you are an educated individual in the field of legal matters, and I used to cringe at some of your posts. I am so happy that you can allow democracy to guide you and that you can condemn wrong when you see it. It is not that you are supporting any political side, you are being Dominican and talking to see that justice and fairness and integrity prevail in the Dominica you once knew in the time of Dominican Speakers like Winston, Cools-Lartigue, and Davis-Pierre in the House of Assembly. I agree with that this current speaker is their total opposite: full of malice, bias, spite, and hate.

  18. Hamil
    June 28, 2016

    And they increased her salary for doing nonsense In the House of Assembly. That’s how it goes sir. Alll these people are appointed as puppets. The speaker, the so called president(if you can call him that) and the puppet IPO chairman who does not have any idea what his portfolio is other than to walk to his office like a living dead. They are all puppets men and women alike. What a disgrace! I feel so sorry for their miserable souls

  19. Caretaker
    June 28, 2016

    Former Minister means your brain is twisted therefore, they put you on the sideline. IF EMPLOYED means your brain still function. Things changes all the time. Dominicans are too easily mislead. Every country has its system, that of Trinidad could be different from that of Dominica. Having said that, we have rules at home,School,and in employment including house of parliament all must be obeyed. As Dominicans would say different folks for different strokes. I am convinced if a member stick to the rules, things will work nice and smooth. You behave like a child so you got treated as a child. Respect come both ways

  20. KID ON THE BLOCK
    June 28, 2016

    UWP ca chewgonnay caca! Hope when the smell pops THEY don’t cry foul!

    • Me
      June 28, 2016

      Kid, if you really believe that your puerile intellect helps Roosevelt’s Skerrit’s popularity you are mistaken. Even he knows that you are detrimental to his popularity. You are a sad, pathetic human being.

    • %
      June 28, 2016

      Oh you sycophant…Can’t you take the fetid smell of corrupt activities that have overrun this country…Stop makind asinine comments on here…There isn’t anything here to defend.

  21. June 28, 2016

    Questions to Mr. Volney, When the speaker relaxes the rules and ignores standing orders to allow the oppossition to express their views, what happens when there is conflict as a result of this? Are the rules and standing orders going to be used to resolve the conflict? In your opinion was there any violation of the house rules and standing order by the Speaker?

    • June 28, 2016

      Anon it\’s your lack of basic commonsense understanding of the term (relax the rules) which prompted your arrogant comments; our parliamentary procedures and not modeled after Communist China.

  22. Thomian
    June 28, 2016

    That old speaker that doing that

  23. cold hard truth
    June 28, 2016

    Ask the trickydadian why he’s no longer in parliament? Just another operative of the Uwp

    • Island empress
      June 30, 2016

      Maybe it’s better to be a trickydadian than a dummyInCan.

  24. viewsexpressed
    June 28, 2016

    Thanks Volney, well said and represents the feelings of majority of Dominicans. This Speaker is out of hand.

  25. Negbawi
    June 28, 2016

    Power Currupts! Absolute Power, Currupts Absolutely!

  26. Shameless
    June 28, 2016

    Wait a minute here. Is that the same Volley guy who was signing the praises of Dr. Punjabee and the gang all along? Things that make you go hmmmmmmmmmmm! 8)

    It’s either he has finally seen the light and to that I will say HALLELUJAH or he did not get what he expected to which I will use this famous quote; “When rouges and vagabonds fall out, just men get their rewards”. Nonetheless I will take this opportunity to say THANK YOU Mr. Volney. Better late than never 8) .

    Always Assertive! :twisted:

  27. Ackie
    June 28, 2016

    Even if they walk out it doesn’t make a difference. There or not there we doesn’t need them all they do is cause trouble and make people pay money in court.

    • Ex da lawman
      June 28, 2016

      You are so ignorant.You just dont ret it.This is coming from a reputable man.Not the UWP.Even a folk could see its onesided.Im supperised you dont. Poor DA.

      • Ackie
        June 29, 2016

        if you can say that then you know nothing about this man. he has two tongues.

    • Jonathan St Jean
      June 28, 2016

      Then you don’t understand and appreciate Democracy.Plain and simple

    • Concern citizen
      June 28, 2016

      Thank U ackie,
      later will be worse than now, there are 3 categories of slaves in d/ca they are the field SLAVES, the yard SLAVES and the house SLAVE, which category are U falling IN?
      you are rejoicing to day because U don’t know better but who laugh last laugh the best

      • Ackie
        June 29, 2016

        i dont fall under any category my friend. its just that this man lack of basic commonsense would disgust any civilized person. Read up on St Lucian election this year and the methods used instead and see the difference and understand the way people with education do things.,,,,,,,, Ohhhhhhhh i forgot HE DOESN’T HAVE

    • June 28, 2016

      .Ackie, you lack education and that’s why you can be bought with 30 pieces of silver and just in case you don’t understand ask another laborite to explain it to you .. Ackie remember the PM said no law no constitution can stop him now go and get yourself a copy to read, now if you cannot understand it ask for help don’t remain ignorant see if what he said was true , it will also explain the roll of the Opposition Party.. educate yourself and stop being a slave .

      • Ackie
        June 29, 2016

        i am no ones slave moron im my own boss under God so come with something better than that.

  28. Ba Yo Bwa
    June 28, 2016

    What happened in the House – the crude, crass and dishonorable performance – between the Speaker and Hon. Lugay – was unfortunate but not long in coming. One wishes, for the sake of our future, that this had never come to pass within this august body. But this is where we are. The questions are: Are we serious about nation building; and if we are, what tools, structures and behavior do we need to see in place and that we must cultivate – nationwide – so that we never go back to that place exhibited by the Speaker and Mr. Lugay? Who is going to blink in this fiasco? Must we continue to display this level of incivility, one to another, in the place where the very character of the nation is defined, expressed and displayed? This that we witnessed yesterday in the House is indeed a nightmare! And both sides – Government and Opposition – must take responsibility. Time for all sides to dial back and tone down the rhetoric and hyperbolic speech. For the sake of posterity, folks!

    • June 28, 2016

      You sit back and cast your stones, but ask yourself what have you done to stop the madness and who benefits from it
      You ask who is going to blink in this fiasco, well let us examine the roll of the Speaker and it is in the Constitution but what she’s doing is ignored the rules when it comes to the Labour side, how can there be fairness in the House if the Opposition is not allowed to produce, she may not like what they have to say but that doesn’t give her the right to obstruct the proceedings. The Speaker have to be natural at all times but she is not therefore she have allowed herself to become the defender of the Government . Mr. Danny Lugay reaction was provoked by her belittling the Opposition members of the house, Alix Boyd -Knights must learn to respect the Opposition members , and until she learn what is expected of her as she sit in that chair she will continue to be looked upon as the worst speaker ever. Alix Boyd-Knight it’s incumbent on you to stop your madness .

    • viewsexpressed
      June 28, 2016

      The tools can easily be displayed,,,,,if we are to have serious leadership in the house and not under this current ole speaker.
      Are we serious about nation building; and if we are, what tools, structures and behaviour do we need to see in place and that we must cultivate – nationwide ….you will not get this under this Labour government and this Speaker

  29. Reasoning
    June 28, 2016

    Mr.Athie Martin, your words are showing its effect;”every man got a conscience and a soul” therefore truth must be revealed. How long can a man pretend and cover up?Not long.All these awareness is good,the more voices standing up to truth is the better,but as far as i am concerned,the revolution should start right in the house,!RISE UP AND WAKE UP PEOPLE,REVOLUTION TIME IS NOW!

  30. Winston warrington
    June 28, 2016

    It appears to me that the Speaker is well on her way to self destruction. Her language skills and choice of words are way below the standards required in a legal environment ; but her native hostility can’t be attributed to coaching or instructions from the PM. The government has tolerated her flaws for too long. Her behavior toward members of the opposition is totally unacceptable in my view as a supporter of the DLP.

    • June 28, 2016

      That’s what it should be it haven got to do with party it has to do with something is either right or wrong so in this case I do admirer you conviction… wrong verses right..

  31. Laplaine
    June 28, 2016

    Mr Volney u r not the only one who is appalled. just a few weeks ago you were all for the ruling Government and their principles. Now u are coming .. give us a break you are neither right nor left and not in the middle. If u dont know where u stand u will be used as a punching ball. Or this leaves me to wonder was it all your ranting and raving for the DLP did not bring u what u wanted/ needed now u r singing a different tune.

    • Me
      June 28, 2016

      What has that got to do with the behaviour of the Speaker of the House? That is the issue at stake here, regardless of what party you support, or none at all.

    • For Dominica
      June 28, 2016

      the govt and their principles should not affect the actions and tones of the Speaker of the House of Assembly.

    • Jonathan St Jean
      June 28, 2016

      In defense of Mr Volney,you have to call wrong,wrong and right right.Honesty can’t be based solely on which side you like or support.If you criticize something your child does,does it mean you have now abandoned that child.Stop the nonsense

    • Concern citizen
      June 28, 2016

      LAPPLAINE,
      U don’t have to exposed UR. self like that even if u are a DONKEY hole or a FIELD SLAVE
      just because the man speak the truth u are offended, how much are u profiting from the SKERRIT / AS TAPHAN CABAL? U must know UR. place in society know UR. place man, people like U AND THOES WHO THINK LIKE U might get the worst when the crisis comes around

    • June 28, 2016

      Here again personal attack to say Volney didn’t get what he wanted from the Government is unreal. I cannot say that when he is speaking about attitude and character something you either don’t understand or don’t have yourself ..

    • Cousin jean Thin
      June 28, 2016

      Laplaine fool! Don’t make all the teachers dead and alive feel they wasted their efforts on people like U.
      Dr.Finn must be apettered the Ed Minister as Volney is appalled by the Speaker. Even if Dr. Finn essays and other ramblings sounds/reads like Standard thre (3) English composition.
      LaPlaine boy the word is punching bag not ball.
      I have an illiterate relative in LaPlaine who heard over & and over the expression “All what’s pass tense is being made present tense by another moderately educted cousin.
      She decided to use it. One day she blast us with the following/her spin on it & said massa wey phillip toutes sa qui pass tense E ka faite presidence we roared.

      • June 28, 2016

        Are you insinuating that people from Laplaine are fools? Isn’t that considered rude and disrespectful? And if it isn’t, it should be! Your second statement is also crude, rude and disrespectful. There are a whole lot of under-educated people in Dominica and they don’t all come from Laplaine! Check yourself before you speak/post.

      • pax
        June 28, 2016

        *past* tense. One day she *blasted*. And please for some punctuation, Mr/Ms LITERATE!!

    • %
      June 28, 2016

      At least Mr Volney knows what a corrupted and polluted parliament is…Read the message,dont shoot the messanger.

  32. Trump
    June 28, 2016

    Well that’s how we are in Dominica is not what is said is who said it. All I know all of us that think when the crisis fall in Dominica is on the opposition its gonna fall it might hit we the labor supporters harder. We must stand for righteousness and justice and lay down those party colors

    • @Trump the flip floper
      June 28, 2016

      Trump R U evolving as Obama did on the LGBT issue to the point that Stone wall was made a monument in NYC. Trump r u reading from a teleprompter lol hahahhahahahaah. You just did a Herbert Volney on us there man.

    • @Trump the flip floper
      June 28, 2016

      Trump Neo & authentic DLP-ites will hate U seeing that you are turn navy blue
      I have a little blue paint and red etc in my garage let me go mix the Blue with the red and see what I get then I’ll add some green what ever I get from the three I might be appalled even apettered.
      Volney appalled Trump apettered

  33. Clayton Shillingford
    June 28, 2016

    Quoting Mr Volney…..”parliamentary democracy is under threat due to the “dictatorship” of the Speaker of the House, “..”.I heard no one on the government side cite a standing order objection ”

    There are a multitude of comments on the unacceptable conduct of Alix Boyd-Knights../ I hope Mr Volney and others will consider that she may be doing what the regime requires her to do .and is the basis of her rewards…That was the rationale for her getting and holding position of Speaker..There is fault on both sides …the Skerrit Government and the conduct of the Speaker..Will anything change? I doubt it..

  34. Patrick
    June 28, 2016

    Mr Volney

    Thank you for voicing what many Dominicans are thinking, but so afraid to voice for fear of reprisals from the current regime.

    This woman had one mission and one mission only to crush the opposition.

  35. Mr Kubuli
    June 28, 2016

    Well come home Herbert, do something, down just sit out of state and complain. I think the fuel should walk out too, but that s because troublesome children have no place in Parliament.

    • Mr Kubuli
      June 28, 2016

      Uwp not fuel

  36. Doc. Love
    June 28, 2016

    Very interesting comments by Mr Volney. Over the past months, He has been criticized by supporters of the UWP, today, he appears to be hero, that is life. I am happy someone apart from members of the opposition had the fortitude to take on the Speaker. We must ask ourselves, how much more can the opposition take. For instance, Mr. Linton was shut down when he tried to connect money laundering with a lawyer who is very close of Skeritt. She sat by and allowed Skeritt in response to Mr. Linton, mentioned that the UWP had form a company in order to swindle money from the Dominican people. A member of the opposition questioned her reasons for allowing the accusation and her excuse was she had no knowledge of that information. You know what was funny, when Skeritt made those comments, their was a resounding round of applause from all members on the Government’s side. Do you know she was not curious. In her usual style we did not even hear, “order please.”

  37. %
    June 28, 2016

    It’s not just parliamentary democracy, but all our institutions are virtually dead,andl non existent…The VOTING PROCESS is highly flawed..Imagine in 2016 people still vote without VOTERS ID in this Dominica, I often refer to as a failed state…I hope we ill not have another elction on island without ELECTORAL REFORM,otherwise the same thing we saw in 2014 will happen in Mahaut,R Valley,Castlebruce,St Joe,Laplaine,Grandfond,etc.

    • 2014 T'was THE LAST
      June 28, 2016

      percentage lol! the way tings ah go on there might not be need for voter ID lol check my name for the logic

  38. Ron
    June 28, 2016

    Well….with Prevo and Edison gone, its worse now…

  39. my own
    June 28, 2016

    Sir you had a very good spin on things but unfortunately, our opposition have been saying the same for years and nothing has been done so I am not sure if your WORDS will help one bit.
    Now I think if the leaders of the OECS and CARCOM countries were thinking of the one people of those unions, they would do something or say something about it. A threat to remove Dominica from the unions can be a start and lets see. Because I cannot understand that has been going on for years and we have not heard any of the other leaders forcefully condemn what is going on and put a little pressure on the government. After all you all belong to the same union and i think what affects one should be a concern to all. Do they know how badly trade could be affected if Dominicans take to the street for a week or more?

  40. SUNNY D
    June 28, 2016

    There IS A GOD .

  41. Fort Lane
    June 28, 2016

    Finally seeing the light Mr. V. Must have smoked some of that stuff from Biche.

  42. cool
    June 28, 2016

    Right now Mr Volney in the best man on earth. I remembered when the same Volney was vilified.

    • %
      June 28, 2016

      It matters not.He can’t stand aside and watch evil men and women lead Dominica to hell….That’s why I refer to people like you as both wicked and evil.

    • duggie
      June 28, 2016

      Cool, what Volney is saying now is a fact. Are you blind?
      Whether he was Velified before is not in the picture now.

      • duggie
        June 28, 2016

        Not because you supports a party you cannot point out when they do wrong. So people whats the matter with Volney doing just that.

    • NUWP
      June 28, 2016

      hahahahha. ur memory is perfectly founctional.

    • Concern citizen
      June 28, 2016

      Dear Cool,
      Mr. Volney is not the best man it’s just that he don’t allow his bias to take precedent over him all the time like some of U DONKEY HOLES and field slaves

  43. anonymous
    June 28, 2016

    I agree. My grandson who was listening to the news this morning bowed his head in shame at the manner in which the speaker and the member for Roseau North conducted themselves, but more so the speaker.

  44. Real!!!!!
    June 28, 2016

    Mr. Volney….I am very glad you are now paying attention but this has been going on for the last 12years.

    Mr. James and Mr. Linton has been pointing this out every time the parliament meets for years and made the exact claims you are making.

    It is alleged Ms. Boyd is under the total directive of PM. Skerrit.

  45. marie-claire
    June 28, 2016

    Great Statement. Time for change.

  46. Not a herd follower
    June 28, 2016

    Volney sees the light? Well, there’s always hope.

    • %
      June 28, 2016

      He has a conscience.It hurts him to just stay and watch the steep decline that the country is taking,and stay quiet!

  47. NabesandI
    June 28, 2016

    Am I the only one here who is concerned about the fact that this article is based in its entirety on the post of Mr. Volney on his FB page??? Is this the new style of journalism dno?? Did you seek to do a corroborating interview with Mr. Volney to get context????? Wow ok next storymight just be according to john browns facebook page he likes pictures of pumpkin pie…..smh

    • Me
      June 28, 2016

      What is there to corroborate? The utterings were broadcast live on t.v. and I am one of those who watched and listened to this disgraceful performance of the Speaker. She has complete lost it.

  48. Floridian Diaspora
    June 28, 2016

    If this speaker of the house and the master planner Lord Skeritt was to take up their respective office in a foreign land they wouldn’t last a day. It is only in Dominica such bull is tolerated

    • Ba Yo Bwa
      June 28, 2016

      Only in Dominica the official Opposition could incite riot and call for violence on a daily basis and get away with it. Indeed, only in Dominica can a Danny Lugay publicly declare, “If I wasn’t a Christian, I would take some people out. Some people [Alick Lawrence] need to be taken out.” And walk freely. Only in Dominica could the Opposition call on its supporters to march on and endanger the peace by dumping bananas on the country’s main airport, without being arrested and charged for engaging in an act of terrorism.

      • Truth and Grace
        June 28, 2016

        Foolish comment, it shows you have no brains

  49. Thomian
    June 28, 2016

    The lady is tired……think she needs to take the advice she gave to the house yesterday for herself. I honestly thought she was speaking to preschool children yesterday. Don’t the house knows their rights? my goodness, so embarrassing man.

  50. AAGabriel
    June 28, 2016

    I agree with you Sir. The political developments in Dominica are extremely worrying. With exception of some UWP supporters everybody seems happy with the status quo. Furthermore, opposition appears to be limited to ongoing talk without any appropriate action. Things need to change and time is running out.

  51. Vanya
    June 28, 2016

    well i guess he has a conscious, once God created man something has to hit u unless one sold his/her soul to the darker side..

    the writing has being on the wall for many a year, some just choice to turn a blank side to it…..

    dominicans created the situation they’re into fully. blame must be laid fully on them.

    they will have to get rid of the monster, it won’t be a easy task due to the society being docile, lame and dunce for too long a period!!!!

  52. Papa Dom
    June 28, 2016

    Sorry sir but we already know that. The woman tried that with Earl Williams and the UWP who had to remind her that she cannot move any motion in the house and laughed at her but she continues and has the audacity to lecture people on humility and learning, what a disgrace. Sadly the attitude of this speaker is not the only example of the threat to democracy in Dominica.

  53. john 3 16
    June 28, 2016

    it is about time that we get outside help

  54. Virl lewis
    June 28, 2016

    Herbert you couldn’t say it better then that .

  55. cameron
    June 28, 2016

    Honorable Volney thank you,but Dominica is being ruled by a dictator,and he has the speaker in control,and the people choose this route,but it will come to and end soon,the so called appointed speaker will not be in control forever.

  56. As if there is not enough concerns to deal with. This is the best you could come up with!

    • Floridian Diaspora
      June 28, 2016

      Actually yes. He is right on point. Dictatorship and bullying should not be tolerated under these circumstances. These two things can be a cancer that could decay a country rapidly. As a Trinidadian he knows exactly what his saying. Just look at where their mentality brought them and look at where the mentality of people like yours brought Dominica.

      • @Floridian Diaspora June 28, 2016

        Herbert Volney is not a Trinidadian, that is the reason he could write this message. I have been living in Toronto Canada from since my tender age in 1974.; and I could die here, if that is God\’s will

        I have nothing to do with what you claim has brought Dominica to where she is, but Volney \’s message, advising the UWP to walk out of Parliament Meetings, is as such as what has taken Dominica to where you claim she is

    • viewsexpressed
      June 29, 2016

      Please Get Lost: That is the best I could come up with. LOL

      • @viewsexpressed June 29, 2016

        And your best is still empty and futile; for it did nothing for you. I am still here to say to you: \”You are a fool!\” And I ain\’t going nowhere; so don\’t hold your breath.

  57. unknown
    June 28, 2016

    well said Mr. Volney. let them know everyone has a freedom of speech!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! it is time she gets out of this chair

  58. Titiwi
    June 28, 2016

    It is not often that I agree with my learned friend but this time I do, without reservation. The government, under the dictate of the the Speaker is using the House of Assembly to curtail the constitutional rights of members of the opposition. I would remind the latter that not only do they have the right of assembly but equally the rights of freedom of expression and of speech. They are not obliged to exercise these rights in a setting of entrapment and curtailment of rules imposed by a Speaker under the guise of legality, which is anything but.
    The House is there exactly for a free and frank exchange of opinions and ideas without the fear of punishment by the law. It is not a place for muzzlement, restriction of speech and expression and ridicule as is the case now. The opposition can take their case direct to the public , at the the same time the government holds forth in the House and I would recommend that is exactly what they should do

  59. Me
    June 28, 2016

    That’s exactly my thoughts but I wouldn’t have been able to say in such a manner. Thank you sir Andi do hope that it falls on opened ears.

  60. King Skerrit
    June 28, 2016

    8-O A A wonders will never cease. All of a sudden poto labourite Volney seeing how bias Alix is, and even advising the Opposition to walk out of Parliament????? Look out Alix— Herbert Volney is coming for your job. :lol: :lol:

  61. Erasmus B. Black
    June 28, 2016

    And a listener says amen! Thank you sir. Indeed, one must ask if this Honourable Madam Speaker understands her role or whether she believes that sitting in the Speaker’s chair is the same as giving people maypwee from a Labour Party platform at a political meeting in Lagoon. A speaker must remain impartial at all times but this one has demonstrated over and over again that she is willing and available to do whatever it takes to maintain a Red agenda in the Honourable house. And then she has the audacity to lecture parliamentarians about humility!

  62. jonathan st jean
    June 28, 2016

    Thank you Mr Volney as a judge and former parliamentarian in a country much more advanced than Dominica,for calling a spade a spade.Alix is a disgrace that is why the Dominican people rejected her nomination to be President of Dominica.Skerritt on the other hand likes her as his sorogate,in usurping power.I hope he is embarrassed by your submission and gets her out as speaker.I’m also asking the Secretary General of the Commonwealth to intervene to ensure Dominica remains peaceful and democratic.Thank you Mr Volney

  63. Truth Hurts
    June 28, 2016

    I am a supporter of the dlp but I must say thst I support Mr Volney’s statement 100%. This lady has really overstayed her welcome adjudicating fair debates in the House and should be asked to graciously proceed on retirement. Anyone from the outside watching these parliamentary preceedings would think thst this is happening in Zimbabwe or maybe North Korea. Gone are the days where good lively, witty and intellegent debates were allowed and tolerated as during the time of deceased Hon Michael Douglas and the like. While I most certainly am not condoning the behavior of some of the opposition parlimentarians, I must admit that they are being unfairly treated and targetted by the speaker and that kind of behaviour should not be tolerated or accepted in a democracy. Full stop.

  64. June 28, 2016

    And this is the same speaker talking about conduct and decorum. How is it allowed that a speaker can dictate to a elected member of parliament? It seems that only in DA can such nonsense can take place. Alex Boyd Knights is laying the grounds for civil disobedience.

  65. jr
    June 28, 2016

    I.am in total agreement with this gentleman . The speaker is suppose to be nutrale . She mkaes us look bad with this dispeakable conduct . My 7 year old could be more fair in the house if given the chance . Smh

  66. Thanks Volney
    June 28, 2016

    Mr Volney, thank you for contributing such an eloquent piece of unbiased opinion. I believed you have covered pretty much all my concerns, so I will say no more. Once again thanks.

  67. June 28, 2016

    sir i with you a 1000% . i don’t live in Dominica but I’m a Dominican by birth but have given up my citizenship because of these people Dominican and Dominican diasporas have put there to represent them. All i have to say to these people God is not asleep.

  68. oh Yes
    June 28, 2016

    Commonsense prevails yet again. Political bias, ineptitude and gross mischief and malice are the hallmarks of governance in this country. This is assessment by Mr. Volney is unbiased and fear to anyvobjective mind. I continue to lament the unfortunate trajectory of Dominica. When voices cry out critizing the actions and inactions of this Labour party administration conclusions are made of jealousy, hatred for country and anti-development. Unless people like Alix-Boyd Knights, Tony Astaphan et al. and Rooesvelt Skeritt begin to respect mankind we will continue to travail. Do you know who suffer? All of us and those who fooled do not know they are being fooled.

  69. IamanIdiot
    June 28, 2016

    Any blind man can see that the speaker of the house is a supporter of the labour party. I’m not saying you cant put your X by the shoe and can’t chant ‘Labour Ka Twavia’ but it shouldnt be so blatant given her post.

    All her chastisements and reprimands goes to one set of people even if the other side engage in word throwing and talk that is not for the house.

  70. Fella Fella
    June 28, 2016

    Well said Sir. I am not a party supporter. I support progress in my country. I give props to any side where legitimate and wrong to anyone who does wrong. The speaker was out of line many times and she does need to stop this dictatorship. Its embarrassing to our nation. Not to the government but to Dominica as a whole. This needs to stop.

    • Lenovo
      June 28, 2016

      So what do you in your capacity plan to do to stop it?

      I’m just asking….

  71. dbarrow
    June 28, 2016

    Papa met the crowing Cock is singing a different tune. All will see the light eh. I applaude you Volney.

  72. Lucy
    June 28, 2016

    Wow Volney this is refreshing coming from a guy like you. I am still speechless–what happened? Did the Virgin Mary appeared before you last night? Any way thanks Sir.

    • SHOCKED!!
      June 28, 2016

      I was thinking the same!!

      VOLNEY????? HERBERT VOLNEY!!!!!

      MME Speaker, take a good, hard, long look in the mirror and ask yourself a question now.

      VOLNEY????? WOW.

  73. Shaka Zulu
    June 28, 2016

    She is the one talking about arrogance. Imagime an unelected official stiffling the will of the people. She is giving lecture on comprehension of standing order displaying the same arrogance she is crying down. I think like skeritt, whenever she talks there must be an imaginery mirror infront of her and all she see is herself. Then again when people feel invincible it becomes about them and not country. Dominicans have become too passive and i think that is a result of major intellectual hemorrhage.

  74. Neverson St jean
    June 28, 2016

    Thank u very much sir

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