House Speaker withdraws rule barring Linton from parliamentary debates

House Speaker Alix Boyd-Knights

House Speaker, Alix Boyd-Knights has lifted a ruling she made at the last sitting of parliament which barred Opposition Leader from participating in parliamentary debates.

She made the ruling in October 2016 when the Speaker accused Linton of imputing improper motives during a debate on the Supplementary Estimates and demanded that he apologize but he refused.

When Parliament convened on Tuesday, May 23, 2017, Linton questioned whether the ruling had effect in the current sitting and the rules did not allow the Speaker to continue punishing him.

The matter generated great discussion in the House and the Speaker said she would make a ruling after lunch.

In her ruling, Boyd-Knights said after reviewing the entire matter, she decided to take a different approach.

“The member for Roseau asked me to rethink my decision,” she explained. “And I said, look in the spirit of harmony … at least if I can institute it in this House, it will be a good thing. And also because I see that the member is taking on my suggestion to read the rules.”

She added that since he (Linton) is now reading the rules, and she hopes he is understanding them, he will have a greater appreciation of the repercussion when he does things outside the rules.

The Speaker said she was withdrawing the ruling but she had a clear message to parliamentarians.

“I am putting on very clear notice, that any repetition of any name calling of the Speaker or anybody in this chamber, any such ruling that is breached, the entire Standing Order 50 will be brought to bear,” she said.

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43 Comments

  1. NKRUMAH KWAME
    May 25, 2017

    Come on Madame speaker! In no way were you being magnanimous. I listened to and watched the debate and you were forced – against your will – to correct an injustice with IRREFUTABLE EVIDENCE
    , of your PARTIAITY. The guys sure did their homework. But as granny always taught us: Ah man have a right to make an ass of himself!! :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :lol: :lol:
    HOTEP!

  2. Hendricks ismael
    May 24, 2017

    The problem in dominica and the rest of the caribean is not the government or the opposition , the problem is the plan, we cannot blame past government and the one in power now. All these governments spend millions of tax payers money to educate thousands of men and women , parents borrow millions of $to educate their kids, some of their kids did not pay the loan back and they loose their property’s . First of all we have to many lazy lawyers creating very few jobs. After 40 yrs of education most of the educated people were the ones to come back and create the jobs for the mases , that’s who should be blamed for our problems . They came back as beggers and servants begging for jobs instead of creating jobs. There are many models in the world to follow , you don’t have to start a brand new model. To see where we are just follow the people on DNO. We operate like we are still under the British . We have to put our heads together and solve our problems . Where are the college people .

  3. Hendricks ismael
    May 24, 2017

    I can hear the pain of African people , some of our problems are 400 yrs of slavery and British colonialism and religion . The British gave us independence without no training to create any thing . We were trained as clerks to serve the master . Every day on DNO all we do is fight each other , after getting educated we still acts like beggers and servants , hoping what ever government that’s in power will solve our problems . What is the solution to our problems , start living your life , think about it , is it any wonder so many people fell miserable and low energy when we have no jobs, spend endless amount of time doing nothing , and are conditioned to ignore our own true feelings, you should set your sight higher than it is. There is the protestant ethics set in place already , China follows it, Japan , south korea , Europe , Singapore , we have educated people all they have to do is follow-it to and create jobs for the mases, please don’t wait for government key education

  4. Jonathan St jean
    May 24, 2017

    Kudos to the leader and members of the opposition for investing the time to become more knowledgeable about the rules of parliament.It’s like any sport or business deal,if you don’t know what the rules of the game are you have already lost.This time they defeated the angry madam speaker at her own game.Way to go boys

  5. Anthony P. Ismael
    May 24, 2017

    Like Skerrit, this Speaker is somewhere over the rainbow in dream land. I listed to Reginald Austrie and he came off as a drunkard in Lagon taking out mapwi with other drunkards. This woman is unhinged, uncouth and a tyrant set loose on this once proud nation. Always remember that “Father Time is the boss.”

  6. Me
    May 24, 2017

    Her magnanimity is a substitute for admitting that she was out- manoeuvred and in the wrong Basic psychology and so transparent. Ask your Svengali, Roosevelt.

  7. MON FAR RED
    May 24, 2017

    Give us a break woman!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You know dam well you cannot keep the ruling so you coming up with a Queen’s English Phrase to try and fool us.

    Just agree you were wrong and done with that.

    • indira Ghandi
      May 24, 2017

      Madam,you are nearing the end of your days here on earth.
      leave this political thing alone.
      stop being so biased.
      Go make your oeace with God and man.

  8. May 24, 2017

    No name calling in the chamber should be a rule that should be respected by everyone including Boyd.
    Most often what we find is that the pot is calling the kettle black.Nonetheless, I observed that the ruling party made it a point of duty calling the opposition party names. They should grow up ; there is a lot of work to be done and get it done.

  9. May 24, 2017

    PM…here’s the opportunity for “By-Partisan” — get rid of the current HOUSE SPEAKER — we need someone who is fair to both sides…..

    • Len-OX
      May 24, 2017

      the hanger for all you jacket. get rid of that fool you all (MINORITY DOMINICANS) have embarrassing the office of leader of opposition.

      worse we ever had.

      and don’t think we didn’t expect to see the ingratitude on you alls part. but that is wat leadership in UWP is all about.

      don’t worry we will good for u all next time.

      the speaker should put him out for 3 seatings so he shouldn’t get paid for months.

      and she is to patient with Danny for his piggish emotion. lacking in respect, very unpaliamentry.

      idk where Roseau get these type of people making a fool off them self.

      but madam speaker I applauded you. because he would continue with his animalistic behaviour.

      but the house business has moved on in a smart way.

      hope he will learn to simple say sorry like mike Roseau and move on.

      Hon. Ian showed him some tact yesterday. hit him hard lennox ask to withdraw and he did without hesitation. and cae back to blows him. that is a real politicial.

      I…

      • Me
        May 25, 2017

        No wonder we are in such a shambles. The Leader’s followers’ atrocious command of English says it all. Any wonder why the “Doctor” leader shuns a direct public debate with the novice leader of the opposition?

      • MISSY Z
        May 25, 2017

        Wow, where did you learn to spell sitting? I mean your ignorance is on display. You sound like a very angry person. Why you mad bro? It is not that serious now is it? You have deep seated insecurities that are quite visible in your writing. HMmmmmmm careful careful careful… stop exposing yourself to the masses. We know who you are.

    • indira Ghandi
      May 24, 2017

      She really is toooooo one sided.

  10. Herbert Sabaroche
    May 24, 2017

    I listened to the proceedings of the First Session of the Sitting of the Parliament Meeting of the House of Assembly. The Speaker initially decided that the Leader of the Opposition was not allowed to participate in any debate during this Meeting because of suspension during the last Meeting for not apologizing. The rationale that the Speaker gave for the change of decision seemed far-fetched and calculated to save face. The Speaker recognized the blunder regarding the usage of the terms Sessions, Sittings, and Meetings. The Speaker needed to accept the mistake and apologize not only to the Leader of the Opposition but to the House of Assembly and to the people of Dominica to demonstrate a level of impartiality and integrity.

  11. Dante Jones
    May 24, 2017

    This woman is out of her mind. She had to withdraw the ruling because it did not go along with what the standing order says. Only because he pushed forward and made his point to clearly and explicitly state exactly what the rule says did she back down. And this is in the face of constant opposition and attempts to prevent him from speaking.

    I urge all dominicans to watch and/or listen to these proceedings for themselves and see the kind of attitude with which the members of the opposition are treated. I understand that they have their flaws too but they are being treated very very unfairly in the house. Anybody who knows how to read body language and follow and understand legal proceedings can see this.

  12. Skerrit Must Go... Now!
    May 24, 2017

    Continue to be shortsighted and base nonsensical arguments on personalities! The hating on Hon Lennox Linton just won’t wash – it will not progress the debate.

    In any democracy, addressing such a delicate issue calls for a Government policy d set out their proposals for future legislation. This should simply be published as a Command Paper and include the draft version of the Bill that is being planned.

    It then results in a public consultation on this complex issue, which the DLP government is trying to steamrolled in parliament to convey their philosophy. It’s an act that deliberately compromises our democracy in the DLP government’s quest to gradually chip away our previlege.

  13. Gullible
    May 24, 2017

    Who the hell is this woman. I’m happy these things are going on in Dominica a woman that could not control her home is controlling BIG MEN and an entire Trafalgar Village. She dictates in Trafalgar Village when they should have village activities, what time, and how long and the Foolish Trafalgar people continue empowering her by voting labor. This is your opportunity to get the woman out of your village and strip her off her influence she has to call the police on you people. Trafalgar People are you Slaves? Are you all the indentured servants on Boyds Estate in Trafalgar. You surely behave that way, keep on voting labor, remember a vote for labor is a vote for alix Boyd and a vote to keep you all oppressed in Trafalgar.

  14. Me
    May 24, 2017

    My goodness, is she mellowing or is her conscience pricking her? It is never too late to late for redemption. You are right Madam, history will judge you, not Roosevelt Skerrit.

  15. Papa Dom
    May 24, 2017

    What utterrubbish! Madam your ruling was wrong and out of order so don’t pretend that you are so gracious and doing Mr Linton a favour. Be brave and apologise to the house for trying to mislead the members.

    • Titiwi
      May 24, 2017

      Unlike the Dame of blessed memory , she has no balls and acts like superannuated school marm, who should have been put out to pasture before now. Is this the best we can offer? It are not only we, local Dominicans, who are watching, and listening to this increasingly embarrassing spectacle but the entire outside world. Please, show mercy on all of us and the Speaker and comfort her into long overdue retirement. She has served her time.

  16. Jaded 2
    May 24, 2017

    A cause for hope in the relations hip between the Speaker and the members particularly the Opposition members. two incidents of such magnanimity stands out. Joseph Isaac agreeing to follow the procedures re his complaint against a member and the Speaker relenting in this matter. But the member for Roseau North and the Senator form castle Bruce would have nothing of that. Danny wanted to act as his impulse led him. To his credit too, the Leader of the Opposition had a rather quiet day. he made his point when he had too, was firm and even reprimanded (as it were) one of his colleagues. As sad as yesterday’s events were, particularly on the outside, one can say the House had a rather progressive day even when considering how divided and ugly our party politics has become. But in general way, there was some improvement. Congrats to the members for their improved display INSIDE THE HOUSE, YES, inside the House yesterday. Dominica is the beneficiary

  17. Tj
    May 24, 2017

    My problem with this speaker of the house is selective enforcement of the rules. The red shirts can insult others infinitum and it is alright. Constantly insulting Linton is not the way to go.

  18. viewsexpressed
    May 24, 2017

    That ole speaker is a waste of time and a nuisance to democracy, as interpreted by the public.

  19. EnfantDiable
    May 24, 2017

    What rule of construction has she brought to bear on Order 50? If ,as she has now concluded, that her original ruling was wrong all she has to do is withdraw it and apologise to the Honorable House for her grave mistake. That’s all. Did she research the works of the relevant authorities on Parliamentary Practice in the Commonwealth ,on the internet or otherwise, during the lunch recess? Did she consult the Legal Department of the Commonwealth of Dominica headed by the Public Service Attorney General for proper advice on this matter? In which other Commonwealth country would a Speaker of the House of Assembly for over seventeen(17) years make such an elementary mistake and survive ?
    Hope His Lordship Judge Henry Volney is padding up?

  20. #Dominica
    May 23, 2017

    House Speaker Alix Boyd-Knights recognized her ignorant error and wants to pretend that she is doing Lennox a favor. What a dysfunctional house.

  21. Some Nerve You Have lady
    May 23, 2017

    Why is this Lady behaving like she controls the world. You behave like an aristocrat, this old time British style you have ,will not get you anywhere . Guess what ?… it’s a Job ,and Very Soon you will retire and someone Else will have your Job.
    Is this Job really Worth it ,to behave in this manner ,You are not very neutral in you undertakings.
    I think you are too comfortable in this post . How do you plan on dealing with Linton when he becomes Prime Minister .
    With All Due Respect , Take a Chill Pill.
    No Bristish Crony Style here.
    You are no longer a British Subject.
    Respect the Oposition Just as You Do the Govt of the Day.

  22. Pioneer
    May 23, 2017

    Lol :-D It takes a big person to admit that they are wrong

    • Me
      May 24, 2017

      Well, she is voluminous enough don’t you think?

  23. sweett
    May 23, 2017

    I am proud of you madam speaker

    • Me
      May 24, 2017

      What can I say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    • zel
      May 24, 2017

      i hope when your children or grand children are locked up for doing wrong – you will be proud of their nasty behaviour.

      Keep on supporting and upholding wickedness.

  24. May 23, 2017

    Madam Speaker Alix Boyd-Knights, after 18yrs as speaker of the assembly rudimentary mistakes are made on the rules and standing orders governing your esteemed office, you tend to lean far towards the ruling party instead of being an impartial referee, i’ve also noticed that there is no love lost between gov’t and opposition in their deliberations on what is wrong or right ,it seems like guys dressed up in European monkey suit attire waiting to pull the trigger on each other ,as oppose to having an amicable tension free assembly. Madam Speaker i am aware that you have to hold your position, but you come across as being very rigid, Ms Boyds-Knight you are not a school principal, you are overseering grown men who need to be respected, in doing the job elected by the people to do on their behalf, being cordial will certainly go a long way in easing the level of tension that currently exist between gov’t, opposition and populace. Bob.Hotep.

  25. ye yep
    May 23, 2017

    She vex. She was humbled and cornered. She couldn’t bully the opposition on that one. The ruling was too glaring. Victory for justice.

  26. Let The Truth Be Known - Original
    May 23, 2017

    Hope Linton learned a lesson and hope, in the future he and others conduct themselves respectfully in Parliament. Discipline yourselves accordingly and project good examples that others might learn from you.

    • MON FAR RED
      May 24, 2017

      Shut your face and go learn. The speaker was DEAD WRONG ON THIS ON!! Beh!!

    • Me
      May 24, 2017

      Are you sure that you and the Speaker are not identical twins?

    • %
      May 24, 2017

      Your accomplished buffoon…Learn what lesson?And for What? Thats where he belongs,to represent his people.Your evil head..Why cant you SHUT THE HELL UP!..
      SKERRIT MUST GO!
      SKERRIT MUST GO!!
      SKERRIT MUST GO NOW!

  27. The Darkness
    May 23, 2017

    House of Parliament is no different than a pre-school of children.

    Show some behavioral example!!

    You are the leaders of a country yet you act like a bunch of monkeys, fighting over the last banana tree…

    Stop fighting and start working together.

    Once again, leave the colors alone once the government is elected. It is a distraction that does not promote development.

    Pathetic…

  28. Elephan
    May 23, 2017

    She had to.. the pressure was on. Bi-ass Old Lady

  29. Hmmmmmm
    May 23, 2017

    She withdraw cause it had no basis…old cantangerous woman

  30. joy
    May 23, 2017

    Madam speaker you statement should read, you have a clear message for the opposition parliamentarians, because we all know you continue to interupt them.If you had any dignity you would clearly admit you are going over your roleor maybe your reign is quickly coming to an end.

  31. %
    May 23, 2017

    Dont come here with your high grade foolishness,making people believe that you granted the gentleman honourable Leader Lennox Linton a favour…Thats where the majority of his constituents sent him,and thats where he has to be…Come better than that!
    SKERRIT MUST GO!
    SKERRIT MUST GO!
    SKERRIT MUST GO NOW!

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