Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has revealed that parliament will be convened in February.
He made the disclosure on DBS Radio on Monday night but did not give the exact date.
“We are hoping to convene Parliament some time in February, so very soon we will announce the date once the cabinet has ratified the date,” he stated.
He noted that he is not in the position to give the precise date “but within a week we will be in a position to indicate the specific date for convening of Parliament.”
He said there are urgent matters which the cabinet is working to finalize and a determination will be made on which bill would make it to the Parliament.
“The first meeting you do not want to have any long agenda because, really, it is a time for parliamentarians to take their oath and to be properly appointed as a requirement in the Constitution,” Skerrit noted.
He said among other matters will be the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House and, possibly, the appointment of committees.
The Prime Minister said there will be some level of excitement, especially for those who are going to Parliament for the first time.
“Notwithstanding, we have some work to do and we have to continue the work and there are some matters which we may take to the Parliament at this first meeting,” Skerrit said.
There are some who have been questioning why Parliament has not been convened since the general election late last year.
Let’s bring some constructive debates to parliament geared towards advancing with doable solutions, the betterment of the country, that all can live, play and enjoy a good quality of life.
I cannot wait for that date .I making sure i put alarm on it… I want madame speaker to put some people outside.
It so happened that election was held in December. Soon after it was the Christmas and New Year holidays. How do some of you expect Parliament to be convened soon after?
The Federal government convened Parliament after the Christmas holidays only in late January. It appears this is may be the norm for governments worldwide.
Some of you worry over everything. Whatever happened to, “Take time to do good?”
So Mr Skerrit you had the election date in your back pocket but almost two months after election you cannot give a date when parliament will be convened .
You can run as much as you want, you can hide as much as you want, the constitution, not Hon Linton, demands the sitting of the house. Therefore, the sitting can be held in February or March or April or May or June or July or August or September or October or November or December, Hon. Lennox Linton ain’t going no where. He will wait.
‘There are some who have been questioning when Parliament has not been convened since the Election last Year” states Skerrit. Rightly so, and thanks for your prompt response to the wish of the people.
However, we had to make certain demands in order to force you out of hiding. We the people still insist you address the public in person. You could simply submit a recording and your not so stellar track record leave some lingering doubt. So Mr. PM prove your are in good health and dispel these rumours once and for all. We are waiting and can redeem yourself by setting a definite date when Parliament will convene. We need specifics no more games. New year, New Term, New rules. Good luck!!!
You are too demanding. Keep in mind you are not the government.
Here is what I believe. 1. There should be a definite time frame for the first meeting of parliament after every general election. This is not something that should be determined by one person but should be a constitutional requirement. This ,I believe can be achieved through a constitutional amendment. Correct me if I am wrong. 2. The deputy speaker of the House Of Assembly should be a member of one of the official opposition parties with knowledge of parliamentary proceedings. 3. At least two of the senators should represent the business community/ trade unions. This might also require a constitutional amendment. That I hope would make our parliament more inclusive. 4. We need to undertake a comprehensive constitutional review to include a charter of rights. I am a labourite to the core but I would like us as a people to really discuss those ideas in a mature and educational manner. Dominica before self or party. One Blood, One Nation, One People.
where were you all this time mr skerrit?
You are rather bold to ask this question.
Since when it takes so long after winning an election to have parliament convene? I thought parliament is where elected officials go to discuss the people business? But seeing that they were not elected but cheated for their position they have nothing to offer and therefore don’t know where to start.
We go see what primitive behavior they will exhibit when intelligence strike in their faces……They will never be ready!!!
Finally Mr Prime Minister, hope everything will be dealt fairly..Welcome and good luck Mr. Linton and your team, don’t be afraid to stand up to those cheaters
Roosevelt Skerrit is doing what he always does. He is holding the date of the convening of parliament to himself so it will give the opposition very little or no time to prepare. He must think that the government is his private poker game and he needs to hold his cards close to his chest. The government includes the opposition also and Mr. Skerrit should know he has to give the opposition amply time to prepare especially with New members entering the assembly. Take note, he said cabinet will determine which bills will make it to parliament.
Does that mean with a brand New Administration and a Spanking New Leader and ten members of the opposition, there is absolutely nothing they would wish to introduce?
In his inaugural speech he spoke about the opposition working to move Dominica along but if he is already dismissing them before parliament conveves, only time will tell what will happen in the future.
I know the olive branch is already dry but banana plants are under way. Good…
In case you are confused… The government PROPOSES, and the Opposition OPPOSES. Hope this helps out your ignorance….
Be prepared for more surprises from th PM
I agree because SKERRIT have to face Fountain, Linton, Luga remember how he was treated by that same SKERRIT well the games have just began and these guys are ready Dominicans are going to learn how one should behave in the House, SKERRIT and his party and if it’s the same speaker are in for lessons in attitude and behavior, and it’s time for that change because we are looked upon too much as a lawless state we have to turn it around, it’s all about moving Dominica forward not any individual regardless who he or she may be.
SKERRIT we don’t want a dictator of a lawless state we love our home land as the song writer said the Country Nice but we have to change a lot of things on the Island and that doesn’t mean it’s natural beauty those are gifts from the almighty Father and so we have to cherish those things., but the policies, procedures ,laws and many more so let’s get on with the work at hand..
sAgain a government like this forces legislation on everything. There should be a law that requires parliament to be convened within 30 days after a general election
Take note the message from our “PM” there`s work to do and all concern should come with their act in order for there will not be any time for Grand standing, and chest beating. I said it.” You think our pm joking he always send the message out before the main events. Again a master in what he does. You be the judge. like him or not he knows how to work is agenda to his alleged #####. We have a country to govern lets do that in the intreast of all. suspense, is our motto! is it too late to pen my calipso? entitled! suspense!!!!! I am waiting with great anticipation and bated breath for the first sitting of Parlaiment and i suspect i will not be disapointed except for an early ajornment due to the anticipation of the Animal House Allegedly} hope im wrong. Stay tuned. We can only have one Prime minister to gorvern at a time. February cannot come fast enough.
Why is the building pink is it to show support for lesbians & gays?
The Parliament Building should be re-painted white. The pink colour looks dreadful! Make’s it look like some cheap nightclub!
Well well,
Parliament which has existed and operated for so many years with debate after debate from the likes of orators such as Hon. Edison James, Bernard Wiltshire, Charles A Savarin, Levi Peters and earlier Mike Douglas, Brian Alleyne, Eugenia Charles etc. has just been discovered and we are excited because we are going to hear debates for the first time! Even the colour of the present building which has faded and been repainted is a novelty. What a country! Welcome to the newly arrived residents!