Speaker of the House Alix Boyd-Knights has fired back at Opposition Leader Hector John who accused her of attempting to use her office to deviate from the Constitution with regard to the election of a new President for Dominica.
John had written to Boyd-Knights stating that the opposition United Workers Party strongly disapproved of a process which led to a special sitting of Parliament on August 24 where members were notified that the office of the President was to become vacant.
But Boyd-Knights made it clear that the process that led to the special sitting was valid since John and Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit had met in consultation, as mandated by the Consitution and they could not agree on a common nominee.
“With reference to paragraph 2 of your letter, I wish to point out that I, like the rest of Dominica was made aware through the media that you did in fact meet with the Hon. Prime Minister in consultation,” Boyd-Knights wrote. “I therefore accepted the Hon. Prime Minister’s letter to me which I read in the house, as confirmation that such a consultation had taken place and which had resulted in your rejection of the Hon. Prime Ministers’ nominee for the Office of President.”
In a letter to Boyd-Knights dated August 28, John said the Opposition did not approve of the sitting on the grounds that is was an attempt to use the Office of the Speaker of the House “to deviate from the clear and unambiguous prescription of the constitution regarding the termination of the tenure of the current president and the election of a successor.”
He went on to say that since the sitting the UWP had sought legal advice and it was “consistent with our belief and fear, that the Constitution was being subverted.”
However according to Boyd-Knights the letter from the Prime Minister was enough to convene the special sitting. “The said letter was sufficient to initiate the invocation of the proviso of Standing Order 11 in order to inform the House with dispatch and invite nominations as per Section 19 (3) and (4) of the Constitution,” she wrote.
The Speaker of the House went on, “You will recall at the start of the House on 24 August 2012, I explained fully how and why proceedings were taking place in the manner in which they had and the Hon. Attorney General further explained why the Doctrine of Necessity was being invoked. I can add nothing further, save to reiterate the overriding consideration at all times has been to ensure that our beloved country is not left without a President as envisioned by Section 18 of our Constitution.”
Deadline for both the government and opposition for submitting nominees for President was Friday, September 7 however the UWP has said the entire process is null and void.
The opposition is holding a meeting at Lagon this evening (Monday) on the matter.
I am sure at the end the right thing will be done. Let us Pray for Pece in Dominica. Please God silence the trouble makers once and for all.
Let us Pray for “Pece” in wonderland for alice, you need a dictionary close to your keyboard my friend. do u know that your computer has a spellchecker??
make sure you bring your dictionary to the ballot box.
OH BOY!..UWP…PARTY OF NO!Them members and supporters fustrated.
Yes…beacuse our constitution is being disrespected; Because we are allowing one man to destroy our society. Oh Boy!, Yes, we are so frustrated.
Where the president vacates his office without a letter of resignation but do so verbally, what should the PM and Speaker do?
Someone please help.
boy or boy, more fooling questions. You people just refuse to say to skerritt that he was wrong but doh worry what allu looking for dere allu dong to get it.
I’m believe that Alix is right…
why the need to cry fowl …see the below article posted by DNO on August 14th, with comments from Hector John.
I’m not sure if the UWP do not discuss strategically or what. Seems like everytime there’s some lack of cohesion and thought within what is said today and yesterday:
https://dominicanewsonline.com/news/homepage/news/politics/uwp-may-have-its-own-presidential-nominee/
Anything to defend one man. Can you people even for once admit that skerritt is wrong? did you read that part in the story you referenced?
“It won’t take long before for that issue to settle as long as the constitutional requirements are met,”
so what exactly is your point, you fool.
Papa Dom…..you are right but then “I’amWondering ” has a point. Our youthful and inexperienced leaders need to engage in serious, advanced, strategic discussions with the elders like Mr. James before making these public blunders.
AT least I was consistent as I am now. Back then I stated in part- consultation must take place to elect a President in accordance with Chapter II, Article 18.1 of the Constitution of Dominica. We understand that consultations are now ongoing to elect a new President and according to the Leader of the Opposition, “We are moving in the right direction.” I am not sure of that.
These consultations are said to be taking place based on an alleged “expectation” that Dr. Nicholas Liverpool may be leaving office one year earlier allegedly due to health reasons. The discussion on the need for consultation in Dominica ought not to be limited to whether it occurs or whether enough of it takes place but more importantly when and how the consultation takes place. If consultation takes place post facto, it becomes “to inform” and if it takes place ultra vires the Constitutional provisions- I dear say, it may be unconstitutional.
To the extent that the current President is still in office and has not yet tendered his resignation nor is he within the last 90 days of his presidency, there is no legal or constitutional vacancy for the post of President of Dominica.
Just as the lack of consultation is unconstitutional, it would seem that to have such open consultations without the vacancy of the presidency may be equally unconstitutional. In order for there to be any such consultation moving ahead, Mr. Liverpool MUST submit his resignation forthwith.
I am just saying that we have to pay closer attention to our constitutional provisions. We cannot cry foul only when things do not go our way. We MUST start doing things the right way- both government and opposition.
Boy look roro in a small country
Edison and them need to change this boots on the ground chant because the reality is that things are so tight that people cyan buy boots to put on- no money no boots. Now the other thing is even if I decide to buy boots it will be one of those cheap Chinese boots and by the time I walk one block the heel of the boots falling off next thing when those Labor Police start shooting at I cyan run in those old Chinese boots. Me papa.
Even if a hungry man is an angry What Eddie doh realize is that hungry people cyan demonstrate. In 1979 my belly was full of good food not imported KFC you know and I was standing next to Mike and I tell my kool wosh was missing windows and landing on the roof of the ministry. Eddie garcon everything is upside down but well calculated – no money, no food production, import Chinese cheap boots – how the heck can a demonstration take place .Lennox Honeychurch let that be written in our History books.
1979 you got that!!!!!!
don’t worry with them dudes, when the margin start to widen we will see who will start to squeal first… like a cochon when it going to be slaughtered…. but it is so fitting that their piggish ways will usher them to a similar fate….
let them bathe in the spoils while they contemplate on giving the UWPITES the “lawestah” as they say…
reckoning will be commensurate in due time
Madame Speaker, if you are unable to represent the constitution and your allegience is to Skerrit and not the Constition them you need to resign, please get out. It is disdain and reprehensible how our Parliamnet can be lead by such total disrespect of the Constituion and its procedures.
If the President has to resign in the early process of this resignation Skerrit has no place in this discourse but to wait until The President has sent his resignation to the Speaker and until then he stays away.
Talking about a letter from or having spoken to His Excellency is immature, manupulative, silly and corrupt. Please stop disrespecting our Consitution.
But the opposition did not want Liverpool so what the heck all u fighting about. Fight,fight, fight both the opposition and the ruling party power hungry people.
Apart from Narine,the West Indies cricket team needs spinners.Skerrit,Liverpool and Alix should apply to be on the W.I. team.
hey!! that’s my line.. LOLOLO
It would be hilarious to see that big bottom spin bowl boy, and liverpool in the slips with some sunscreen on his nose., and skerro in the outfield checking “boy that sun hot wi”..
lolol
hmmmmmm
So!How about you joining them too.
ohhh sourpuss don’t wrinkle your face…
Aren’t we jumping the gun. The President had to let the person who put him there that he was going to step down. Decent thing to do I say. That gave both govt and opposition time to nominate their choice to take over. The next step as I see it is for the speaker to receive a letter of resignation from The President on the SAME DAY a new President is elected. Anything else will leave the country without a President.
Totally unacceptable. So what is the stupid argument about. Wait and see if a ltr of resignation is coming.
Like Skerrit and Alix, you have no regard for the Constitution. It’s people like you that are emboldening them.
” The person who put him there” – Wow the things that party pooper say just to defend a political party is amazing. So the person that put him there should just be able to remove him without asking one question. You Skerritites are truly amazingly ignorant.
keep following the white rabbit alice. soon you will find out just how deep the rabbit hole goes….
keep following the mad hater skerro
She’s just another Skerro follower. What do you expect her to say? All these LP folks are just like a flock of sheep heading in one direction with tunnel vision.
And everything in Da contiues to be upside down inside out and back to front. Everything that is abnormal is made to seem normal. The government beleives in a theory of fabricaion and the law and the constitution is now useless.
It is better that this little piece rock stand for truth and justice and be a good example to the caribbean and the world by extension.
Life is short; why doesn’t the speaker read the bible properly instead of upside down and do the right things.
Majority counts ….. Everyone is against this speaker and I am in total solidarity . She is truly bias ! This could never happen in the united states nor Barbados or Jamaica . The people would have risen up the speaker and the government . I am no big fan of the united workers party but honestly , I’m loosing all confidence in the new labour party . Everything seems upside down – no one wants to acknowledge their mistakes – no apologies . What is my country becoming . Are we seeking an anarchy ? As a young educated professional man , I have absolutely no honor towards this sitting cabinet . I truly miss the era of people such as micheal Douglas , Rosie Douglas , Brian alleyne and mr armour . Those were the men whom I emulated and learnt many valuable lessons . This new so call honorable men are truly crafty , malicious , msnipulative and lawless and I’m feeling sorry for the founders and draftmen of our constitution . They must be crying in their graves . PM Skerrit , I truly once admired you – I spoke highly of you in good favor and pride but you have hurt the principles of our nation and because of that , I’ve lost every bit of confidence and trust in you Sir . I reside here after 12 years of being in a foreign land and trust me , I have seen too numerous to mention . This country has regressed not merely in terms of infrastrure but more so with it’s policies , economic promise , lack of social and moral standards and the respect for the rule of law . It is sad , sad , sad …. In closing , I an saying to Madame speaker that you are bluntly a liar and Be sure madame , you sins shall find you out !
Skerrit is disposing the constitution one section at a time. Don’t you all notice that? In his own words “no law no constitution will prevent him form doing what he wishes. that sound like a rude child!
DOn’t you think it is a mistake.Out goes the constitution and in comes dictatorship. The opposition Leader did well to attend the meeting, but should not preceed discussion beyond the abscence of the letter of resignation presented to the speaker, and not Skerrit. Maybe the table was turned. the speaker change position with prime minister without consultation. another violation of the constitution. 
I smell a RAT 
Dont you? Do not fear the Almighty is looking! 
we talking about skerrit dis and dat, some of us a little local job we have and we walking on others muchless if u all were in his position. Plenty of us would not be there for long, so what i want dominican to tell me now, is that if not Roosevelt skerrit for now , then who, because as far as I concern all edison talks about is a riot and a chaos .
a stray dog in roseau would be more honest…in my humble opinion… okay what about you! even if you was PM your brain so well washed with clorox you would call RMS as do his bidding so..
fight fight and more political fights.a whole bunch of comedians!opposition and all.power rangling people.you all are not interested in the welfare of the people and the country.all you looking for your damn pockets and have a string of people fighting against each other.dominicans,we are brothers and sisters !don’t be caught up in this political gimmicks!whenever them people win election,they forget promises!when you spit up ,it falls back on your nose:when you as dominicans criticise one another,it’s all of us concerned.please,please,please!dominicans wake up!there is work to be done!AIE DOMINIQUE!thank you OPHELIA!
But wait nuh Madame Speaker,,,
Do you have any communication from the sitting president as to his resignation from his Post???
I thought the issue at “Court” is to determine whether or not the President of Dominica has vacated his Post,,,
Speaker please reiterate to the Dominican Populous your definition of “vacate”, and to Mr. Skerrit, how is it did the President’s Post became Vacated???
According to Black’s Law dictionary 9th Edition:
vacate, vb. (17c) 1. To nullify or cancel; makevoid; invalidate . Cf. OVERRULE. 2. To surrender occupancy or possession; to move out or leave .
So does this mean that the Dominican Speaker of the House of Assembly the Dominican Prime Minister and others are attempting to nullify and or Cancel the current President and his Office???
In Doing so, wouldn’t that constitute: breach of allegiance, an attempt to violate Articles in the Dominican Constitution, for which they have Solemnly Agreed to protect and obey, thereby proclaiming Solemn Allegiance thereto???
Here is a definition I thought allyou would like from Bouvier’s Law Dictionary.
TREASON
TREASON, crim. law. This word imports a betraying, treachery, or breach of allegiance. 4 Bl. Com. 75. 2. The constitution of the United States, art. 3, s. 3, defines treason against the United States to consist only in levying war (q.v.) against them, or in adhering to their enemies, giving them aid or comfort. This offence is punished with death. Act of April 30th, 1790, 1 Story’s Laws U. S. 83. By the same article of the constitution, no person shall be convicted of treason, unless on the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or on confession in open court. Vide, generally,
Sometimes i wonder why is it that people need someone to do their thinking for them. A great many us think we are thinking when we are merely taking on the thinking of other people and rearranging what was said by them and as in your case it is no different, repeating what is said by the UWP. Why all this intellectual fat, is that really necessary regarding the issue.It seems to me you are jumping ahead and creating a situation that does not exist The President has not vacated his office as yet.
I am tired of uwp holding Dominica at ransom. Every thing is politicized. The presefent was given maypuis for not getting involved in party politics. Now he is leaving is another rowrow. How can anyone claim to love Dominica and systemically attempt to destroy it. What I would love to know from our journalist is how much of tax payer ‘s money is being spent with all of this bs. I don ‘t love the labour party but worker ‘s toddler with a tantrum antics is insane!
Maybe ‘meeting with’ is not equivalent to ‘agreeing on or with.’
I heard a lady on one of the radio station referring to the speaker of the house as a political witch.The lady went on to say that the Speaker of the house likes to monopolise men. The manner the speaker behaves in the house leave’s someone to believe that the woman knows what she is talking about.
Alix Boyd Knight follows the Constitution when it suits her sinister purpose. She is there to facilitate Skerrit regardless of whether his actions are in accordance with the Constitution. The woman will bend her over to buffer the man she so admires in many ways.
this is a very clear cut case… the speaker needs to admit when she is wrong. alex it is ok to say i am wrong!!!!!! it does not kill!!!!!!! the constitution clearly says the president has to write to u madam speaker!!!! anything else is null and void!!! period!!!!!!!!!!!!
Where is Vigilante when I need him…
SING…Is the latest trend in the country…and it baffling everybody…
always found it strange with Dominicans why as a Nation they can’t get matters of Governance done in A manner of procedure and standards…
tells me alot about that island Dominica what they uphold…no wonder why they the Poorest in the Eastern Caribbean…they lack the Guts to be tough on issues…weak Bar Association,IPO,Unions and Other Interest Groups…
Dominica is always a low ended island…pretty Much Lacking Class….
Welcome to Dominicas worst Speaker and Dominicas worst Persident and Dominicas worst Prime Minister.The three combined has already buried this poor and struggling country. SHAME ON THEM!
THIS IS REALLY 18-3…..!!!!
Fellow Dominicans,
Listen to the deafening, vociferous and raucous silence of your embattled President. Listen attentively to his quiet, mummified and defiant position. Hear the weak and lonely cry of your President calling on you -the citizens of Dominica to be vigilant in these times.
The President has not and does not intend to demit office. Dismiss the lies of the PM and the Speaker. He has no intention to resign. This is a concocted story by the PM to get rid of the President in an unconstitutional manner.
There was no need to hold any consultation. His post has not been and is not vacant nor can the PM make it vacant.
My fellow Dominicans, do not expect to hear a Presidential address at this juncture. The President will not partake in the current constitutional masquerade. The President was elected to defend the constitution and his silence is his last act in defense of the Constitution.
The President is listening to us. He reads our comments. He feels our pain. He understands our frustration and disappointment. He wants us to continue to speak and to fight for our democracy.
Let’s not allow the Prime Minister to conspire with the Speaker and others to engineer this unconstitutional removal of the President from Office. Enough is enough. Fear no more. Fight for your rights and you will be victorious.
May God bless Dominica and may freedom and democracy reign in this land of our birth
ROSEAU VALLEY
Some people have such vivid imaginations – or they need to stop listening to the voices in their head. The President is being forced out?? Really?? I hope you don’t honestly believe this nonsense that you wrote.
Lighten up people! Have a sense of humor. Enjoy some sarcasm and occasional humor. I am glad I got your attention with this one. Because I wrote it does not mean I believe it. Sometimes one echoes a point of view simply to stimulate reaction. That is why I let all view contend and learn from all. It is indeed the extent of vivid and active imagination.
Are you living in a fantasy world? Do you even know what is really going on with our current President? Please if you don’t have better things to say, stop your rubbish talk. Since you insinuate that you somehow know the president with your hidden words, ask him about his health and what’s really going on with him. Shame…it’s either Dominican’s fail to read and get concrete information, or they are illiterates sucking up third party information. I swear, I am so ashamed at the thinking of some of you Dominicans for how we live in such an enlightened world, you fail to think on your own… so backwards.
excuse me!”it’s either Dominican’s fail to read and get concrete information, or they are illiterates sucking up third party information…… you fail to think on your own”
are you listening to the man in the mirror? it sure seems that way to me. Alix called a sitting of the house on third party information, you fail to explain what is wrong with the interpretation of constitution as presented by the opposition yet you choose to accuse people of being illiterates. They really say there are more mad people outside than in and is true. I guess you are one of those who prided himself in his degrees which is totally worthless since you are incapable of critical analysis and understanding plain English. When will you people learn to be honest with yourselves and they people of Dominica by speaking the truth?
What is this cynical plea to fellow Dominicans about.Why are you so reckless with an assumption like this,throwing your common sense to the wind.Why would you make such assumption that the President does not intend to leave office and that this is a concocted story by the PM to get the President out of office, such a belief shows what Political partisan does to the mind but it also tells me that an assumption like this shows serious errors in your reasoning.
To Roseau valley
What is this cynical plea to fellow Dominicans about.Why are you so reckless with an assumption like this,throwing your common sense to the wind.Why would you make such assumption that the President does not intend to leave office and that this is a concocted story by the PM to get the President out of office, such a belief shows what Political partisan does to the mind but it also tells me that an assumption like this shows serious errors in your reasoning.
Gary! Gary! Please lighten up people! Don’t you think I know better? Have a sense of humor. Enjoy some sarcasm and occasional humor.
As i see it both Hector and Skerrit are at fault. The speaker we know is always at fault. So what we have is just a pack of jokers and an old speaker maki g crackling noises
She as Speaker has sadly played a Major Roll in the Demise,Destruction,upholding silent corruptive Practices along the way…
What a Speaker!..her output lacks Professional Clarity!
according to the constution of dominica the prisident is the one to notify his resignation in writing unless his term of office is ended.
Please tell me what part of the constitution that states that so I can go look and have a read.
Rasta do your Own research next time before you come asking man to look for ting for you yeah
http://www.da-academy.org/DA_Constitution.html
CHAPTER II
THE PRESIDENT
Establishment of office.
18.-
There shall be a President of Dominica who shall be elected by the House and shall hold office for a term of five years.
The President shall have such functions as are prescribed by this Constitution and such additional functions (if any) as may be prescribed by Parliament:
Provided that no such additional functions shall be conferred upon him without his consent signified by writing under his hand addressed to the Speaker.
Elections
19.-
Whenever the office of President is vacant or the term of office of the President is due to expire within not more than ninety days, the Prime Minister shall consult with the Leader of the Opposition as to their joint nomination of a suitable candidate for election as President.
If the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition submit to the Speaker by writing under their hands a joint nomination of a candidate for election as President to which that candidate has consented, the Speaker shall inform the House of the nomination, and declare that candidate to have been duly elected without putting the question to the vote.
If the Prime Minister is unable to agree with the Leader of the Opposition as to their joint nomination of a candidate for election as President, he shall notify the Speaker to that effect and the Speaker shall inform the House accordingly.
The Prime Minister or the Leader of the Opposition or any three member of the House may, during the period expiring fourteen days after the day on which the House has been so informed, submit to the Speaker by writing under their hands nominations of candidates for election as President and the Speaker shall at the first meeting of the House after the expiration of that period and before the House proceeds to any other business inform the House of the nominations he has received and to which the candidates concerned have consented.
An election of the President at which the candidates shall be those of whose nomination the House has been informed by the Speaker, shall thereafter be held at the meeting of the House referred to in subsection (4) of this section (or if proceedings under section 22 of this Constitution are pending before the Court of Appeal, at a meeting of the House held as soon as is practicable after those proceedings) and the Speaker shall declare the candidate who has at that election received the votes of a majority of all the members of the House to have been duly elected:
Provided that when the question of the election of the President is put to the vote, the votes shall be given by ballot in such manner as not to disclose how any particular member of the House votes.
5A. Where the only candidate for election under subsection (5) of this section does not receive the votes of a majority of all the members of the House, the Speaker shall inform the House accordingly and a new election shall be held to which the provisions of subsection (4) and (5), mutatis mutandis, apply.
Where a person consents to be nominated for election as President he shall do so by writing under his hand addressed to the Speaker.
A person who has been declared to have been duly elected as President under this section shall assume office as such on the day after the day on which his predecessor vacates the office of President or, if that office is already vacant, he shall assume office on the day after the day on which he was declared to have been duly elected.
Removal from office.
24.-
The President may be removed from office under section 25 of this Constitution where-
he wilfully violates any provision of the Constitution;
he behaves in such a way as to bring his office into hatred, ridicule or contempt;
he behaves in a way that endangers the security of Dominica;
because of physical or mental incapacity, he is unable to perform the functions of his office;
any circumstances arise that, if he were not President, would cause him to be disqualified to be elected as such by virtue of subsection (1)(b) of section 21 of this Constitution; or
he is appointed to any such office, or engages in any such occupation, as is referred to in subsection (2) of that section.
Procedure for removal from office.
25.-
The office of the President shall become vacant if-
the House (acting upon a motion signed by not less than one third of all the members of the House proposes the removal of the President from office on grounds of complaint specified with full particulars in the resolution;
a tribunal consisting of the Chief Justice and two other judges of the Supreme Court appointed by the Chief Justice, being as far as practicable the most senior judges, investigates the complaint and makes a report on the facts thereof to the House; and
the House, after considering the report, by resolution supported by the votes of not less than two-thirds of all the members of the House declares that the President shall be removed from office.
Parliament may make provision with respect to the powers, practice and procedure of tribunals established for the purpose of subsection 1(b) of this section and, subject as aforesaid, any such tribunal may by regulation or otherwise regulated its own procedure.
Where a resolution is passed in accordance with subsection (1)(a) of this section, the President shall forthwith cease to perform the functions of this office; but he may resume the performance of those functions if, after the House has considered a report made to it under subsection (1)(b) of this section, no such resolution as is referred to in subsection (1)(c) of this section is passed.
Just get a copy of it and read the Constitution. You have a right to know these things for yourself and not ask of others to give you directives where you can find any information. Dominicans are too lazy when it comes to reading, no wonder any bat and whistle can push us around.
Educate yourself…
Resignations.
119.-
The president may resign his office, and a representative or senator may resign his seat, by writing under his hand addresses to the Speaker and the resignation shall take effect, and the office or seat shall accordingly become vacant, when the writing is received by-
the Speaker;
if the office of Speaker is vacant of the Speaker is for any reason unable to perform the functions of his office and no other person is performing them, the Deputy Speaker; or
if the office of Deputy Speaker is vacant or the Deputy Speaker is for any reason unable to perform the functions of his office and no other person is performing them, the Clerk of the House.
The Speaker or the Deputy Speaker may resign his office by writing under his hand addressed to the house and the resignation shall take effect, and the office shall accordingly become vacant, when the writing is received by the Clerk of the House.
Any person who has been appointed to an office established by this Constitution (other than an office to which subsection (1) or (2) of this section applies) or any office of Minister or temporary Minister established in accordance with section 59(3) or 62(2) of this Constitution may resign that office by writing under his hand addressed to the person or authority by whom he was appointed and the resignation shall take effect, and the office shall accordingly become vacant-
at such time or on such date (if any) as may be specified in the writing; or
when the writing is received by the person or authority to whom it is addressed or by such other person as may be authorised to received it,
whichever is the later;
Provided that the resignation may be withdrawn before it takes effect if the person or authority to whom the resignation is addressed consents to its withdrawal.
DNO has sensationalized the matter with its headline. The fact is the Speaker was at least being courteous and professional in providing a prompt response to the letter of the Leader of Opposition. She was not firing back in her usual street-like manner. Give her that credit. But this is okay—we get it.
Now let’s examine the substance of the response, accepting that Mr. John is correct in stating the obvious fact that the Speaker has conspired with the PM in violating the Constitution and perhaps engaging in conspiracy to unconstitutionally remove the President from Office.
Regardless of what the Speaker may say all sensible and honest Dominicans strongly disapprove of a process adopted thus far in calling for consultation and the Special sitting of Parliament to notify of the alleged pending vacancy of the President.
Without a doubt the process is invalid and null and void as the condition of Section 19.1 has yet to be satisfied. This was the case at the time of the consultations. The attempt to base everything on this unlawful attempt to consult with the Opposition does not make the process legal. Someone better stop insulting our little intelligence. Please.
The focus of the Speaker on the alleged consultation is unfortunate for this is not the issue. The fact is there has not been and there is no vacancy as required by the Constitution so that the Speaker could not accept the PM’s letter to as confirmation of the vacancy- not that consultation had taken place.
The issue is not whether Mr. John accepted the nominee of the Government. Ms Knight is absolutely wrong iin suggesting that the letter from Skerrit was sufficient to invoke the proviso of Standing Order 11 in order to invite nominations as per Section 19 (3) and (4) of the Constitution as the requirement of Section 19.1 has yet to be fulfilled.
Personally, I am ashamed at the unintelligent and pathetic explanation of the Speaker to the House at the Special session of Parliament. I can add nothing further, save to reiterate the overriding consideration that we must at all times strife to ensure that our Constitution is respected and that we uphold our supreme law.
With all dues respect to the Speaker, Section 18 is irrelevant here and has no application as there are other mandated constitutional positions which have not been filled in Dominica. This is utter rubbish.
Ms Alix Boyd Knight must understand that she is the Speaker of House. She is not an appointed constitutional judge. It is not her responsibility to interpret the constitution in a way to allow the unconstitutional conduct of the government. She must stop it.
Respectfully
Roseau Valley
what ever the pm says goes as usual.vous maddame la saaaaaaaaaaaaaa.
” The Liberties of a people never were, nor will be, secure, when the transactions of their rulers may be CONCEALED from them”
words to ponder Mrs Boyd-Knight.
Just follow the constitution, that is the law of the land! Basic, basic rules; Speaker there is no resignation so how can their be a vacancy? The president is still alive…FOLLOW the CONSTITUTION,that’s the LAW!~!!
He is not the president and we had changes of presidents before and never had that calamity. FOLLOW THE LAW as past speakers did!!
I was in the House and no one said the President had resigned. The Present sent a letter to the PM stating his intention to resign due to illness. In the meantime things are being put in place in the event that he resigns tomorrow or the day after.
Ha,ha,ha,ha,ha, how silly! do you know what you have said here? so when alix calls her sitting of the house and the I’s have it, we are going to have two presidents. How will that work?I never realised that the constitution makes provision for such a situation. Boy look jokes you foolish serritt supporters have.
Madam speaker,let me remind you. You are not at your beginning. you are at your journeys end.
Be careful that you do not bring more destruction to this country,. As an older person you should be able to tell the PM when he is wrong, Try not yo leave this country a worse place. Be careful mam. Prepare to meet God.
Ah Mrs Knight with all your legal knowledge it seems YOU cannot deny that the opposition is right on Q this time. All you can say is that your are doing the wrong thing but you believe it is for the right reason. So funny. Doctrine of Necessity hmm i guess that is the new term to excuse going against the supreme law of the land nowadays.
What is Alix firing back at, a mistake.Even though the two men had met, as soon as you were brought into the picture you should have immediately guided and advised them.You are aware that any letter of resignation or intended resignation from the President must be addressed to you,therefore,wether they had met on fifty occations,you are the boss,you and only you decides what happens when you are in receipt of the letter from the President.Alix must stop that nonsense in the house of parliament, to much roro, no much commess. If you dont know your role as speaker,get out of those people house.
She knows well. she is deliberate.She will give an account. God hates injustice.
Madame Speaker, the letter from the Prime Minister was supposed to have been predicated by you informing him of the President’s resignation COMMUNICATED TO YOU BY HIS OWN HAND.
that last part not having been done nullifies the whole process therinafter.
any alley tom cat can understand this
You know who started “jumble sale” in Dominica? Eh?
I hear is flea market and raffle them fellers having now. Lets say the current Government is corrupt. Whats the alternative? Who will manage the country? Put names in a bag and dip? Them man have no plan, nothing constructive to say. You guys can at least get a sponsor bodier. Elevate you political tactics…jokers… these days people doing degrees online…smh..
Oh, that’s a good one. I needed that bit of laughter….Thank you! Raffle ticket and Flea Market we turn to now
sure better that “stealing n bobol” at least we can all see where the money came from , can you say that for “rich folks”, suffering from NEVA EXPECT?
People trying to have a sensible discussion and you cumming with your foolishness?
You would rather the country go to hell with these corrupted fools just because what?.
Did Sheritt get his degree online? If he did I would like to find out the college he got that degree. One thing is for sure if he did it was purchased.
zor pas las gomey
but wam to hector nah
Nothing is wrong with Hector. He is just following orders, can’t you see? The man knows in his heart of hearts that what he is doing is nonesense, but he just too afraid to stand up like a man and put them fellas in their place. And you calling yourself a leader…hmm
What I would like to suggest to you is get a copy of the CONSTITUTION because this haven got to do with Hector and his party it have to do with the LAW of the Land and that’s all about the CONSTITUTION of Dominica please stop blaming others and if you have any education or common sense use it and stop being a jurk, Ask yourself if the President is leaving a man who is very educated why do you believe he would at this time in his life violate the law he suppose to protect it and why does the Speaker of the HOUSE accept a letter written by another person other than the President why would she carry such an act she becomes part of the deception to the people of DOMINICA it’s a disgrace to all and I do believe that Skerrit and Alex Boyd-Knight are doing a dangerous act so dont give that bs.
put which fellars in which place! and what is the nonsense? skerritt admitted to the house that he has no letter from the president and that he told Mr.John so when he requested to see the letter. On what basis then, did skerritt instigate the so called consultation? He lied to Mr John and further compounded that by lying to the speaker. If this woman had any modicum of decency, she would have called off that sitting once skerritt had made that admission.