Speaker of the House Alix Boyd-Knights is strongly urging incoming parliamentarians to familiarize themselves with the Standing Orders of the House of Assembly.
Speaking on the radio program ‘Focus on Government and Development’ on Thursday night, she stated these Orders are what actually govern the procedure of the House.
“So what I am hoping that is happening all now is that members are taking note of the Standing Orders,” she stated.
Boyd-Knights is suggesting that new parliamentarians meet with each other or even former members of Parliament and are taking notes of the Standing Orders.
“I am hoping that is being done all now,” she said.
She also stated that Commonwealth Parliamentary Association offers post-election seminars on different aspects of House procedures.
“They bring in people from overseas as well as the region,” she revealed. “They pay most of the expense for it. They take new members, and old members too, to learn about the rules, the procedures in Parliament…”
Boyd-Knights stated that she hopes when this is being done this time around, the Opposition will attend.
“It is for everybody, you are never too old to learn,” she said.
Parliament is expected to be convened in February and Boyd-Knights is the government’s nominee to take on the job in the new term.
Is it too much to ask for a Speaker we can all look up to?
I think that perhaps the best way to deal with the Speaker is to ignore her, send her to Coventry. Don’t engage her. If she has any sense of self she will soon get,the message.
Harry Mack : Harry Potter I was with you all yje way until.
Does it mean that within the ranks of the Labour party there isn’t a man or woman who falls within that category of respectable…
Does the current speaker fit those requirements? Just asking.
It is for everybody, you are never too old to learn,” she said. That goes to the OLD Speaker too I trust!
You should be reviewing what dishonesty is , being fair and not being blatantly one sided means.Skrit should send you on a refresher course on the aforementioned before the next sitting of Parliament.
Whats good for the …………………… is good 4 the ………………………..
Put that in ur pipe ABK and inhale.
Efficatious…and spelt Efficacious…..Anyone who has been wounded, betrayed, abused, denied, deprived of what is theirs by big boys in power, gals, and bullies will be wounded until you get rid of the bully. If there is a child molester in your family, your home, and you child keeps crying Daddy, I am wounded I am abused, I am scared of this man, this uncle, this aunty in our house, are you going to spank her and tell shut up everyday? Until you get rid of the Bully in the HOUSE, and have no access to it, there will be fear, mistrust,.
That is how we deal with bullying, abuse in Dominica. We condone it, sweep under the carpet, it is the child who are a nuisance as all they cry out for in justice and security in House, in the family, in our communities.
So look at the bigger picture and stop protecting bad behaviour in our families, homes and inside the HOUSE.
Now sir/madam Efficacious means “having the power to produce a desired result, especially an
improvement”. Where do you…
tantoe tantoe, I guess you speaking to yourself madame speaker. Go look in the mirror. Your biasness you cannot control, so carry on. The longest rope have a end.
lol rule of law
To be forwarned is to be for armed. D! Country Nice Boy.”
Why this age discrimination? There are older people in office all over the world than this lady give her a break. God teach you all a lesson but can’t get it. People let there be peace and let it begins with you. Lord there are some very good people in Dominica give them the message.
You are a very hypocrite person but I agree with you their are older persons in parliament around the region and else where but none with the attitude and behavior at the present speaker of the Dominican house of Parliament so be honest with yourself and it doesn’t have anything to do with discrimination
I think it from the calypso last year not in an age discriminating way. At least from my post.
Fet do you agree .Do U want……………….
Don’t get carried away with all the street talk by the opposition they are still deeply wounded but when come to business they will be quiet like a lamb. I know they can do it but is a way of nursing their wounds.They been getting whipped for the past 20 years so what do you expect. We are moving on together .Dominica here we go
You are just the Nominee, not the speaker yet, butt you there braying already? Chups
Yo better go familiarize yourself as to how to treat another human.
yea if the don’t follow the rules, meaning the UWP, the fat lady might call by elections again like the last time. I see in the future the supremo will repaint the parliament build red and name it after her
I heard the UWP had brought in all blue chairs when they came in power an
Every thing must change. In this life, the only thing that is a constant is ‘Change’ itself. The young becomes the old. Let’s not hang on because nothing lasts forever except the earth and sun; it all slips away and with all our power, not a minute can we buy. Wise up!
Hi ! Not so quick! U forgot Jupiter ,Mars, Saturn etc how many Planets exsist did they teach U in school? I know they demoted Pluto to non-planet status. I would also love to see the speaker reduced to a listener, some leaders reduced to pool boy and or gardener, also some doctors reduced to vets or dentists. and some drivers to cyclists and some pilots to drivers. The President to a Butler at the statehouse soon. Question I got. Can he cook? lol
I believe the speaker want to start on a new footing, the message is for all, both side have new members getting familiar with the standing order is a good idea . Please show the speaker you did your homework so that she too will respect you all. It takes two to make a quarrel. I will be listening. Godbless Dominica
You can paint a dog but you can never change its spots.
I taking a day off to listen to d house!
Hope you get a doctors note seeing they DSS cracking down on docs notes.
How you know Malpardee relying on DSS? Some of us don’t you know, thank God.
Good for you Alix. It is your obligation, as Speaker of the House to ensure that all concerned conduct themselves appropriately in The House.
You are prematurely informing them what is expected of them when they are in session and in the presence of the Prime Minister of Dominica. They must exercise respect while in The House.
I once attended a session when I was on vacation. Hopefully I will be able to attend one in the not too distant future.
Very contradictory FACT. Extra-plot in ur very mind your poorly expressed ideas and partisanship.
Elected officials please bring back the days of good intellectual debates to things that matters and will advance the country and the citizenry to the Dominican parliament.
ABK….I hope you take your own advice seriously….because D’ca doh belong to you and your god-child Skerritt.
Are U confirming……………….
In light of the Speaker’s pronouncements regarding Parliamentarians involvement in the business of the House, the following web page might be educational to some. The entire body of rules, protocols and/or guidelines clarify the expectations for all and sundry. One might find the sub heading on ‘Questions’ instructive, considering the arguments being made on the subject overall. View and read for yourselves at:
http://dominicalaws.com/COMMONWEALTH-OF-DOMINICA-CONSTITUTION-ORDER/standing-orders-of-the-house-of-assembly-of-dominica.html
Out of 22,000 people who voted for Labour Party in the last election, including those from the diaspora that came in, not one other Labourite is capable of being the Speaker of parliament? Does the Labour Party have the intellectual capacity among its supporters to produce a Speaker to replace Alix Boyd Knight?
When one considers the few opportunities that exist for party supporters to display their competence, it is disrespectful on the part of the Labour Party leadership to allow one woman to occupy the speaker’s chair for twenty years. Being speaker of the house is a special privilege that should is usually afforded to the intellectual hierarchy of political parties, particularly those who do not contest elections, never appear on political platforms, support their party with loyalty and are usually highly respected in society.
Does it mean that within the ranks of the Labour party there isn’t a man or woman who falls within that category of respectable…
Per the Best Practices of Westminster style parliaments, an individual, upon becoming Speaker of the House, cuts all ties with the party he or she belongs to in order to serve in a non partisan and impartial manner, the interests of all members of parliament and by extension the interests of all voters.
Taking into account the utterances of our speaker of the house at sundry times and in divers manners both within and without parliament, learning the Standing Orders “by heart” will not make a difference for some parliamentarians.
There is a reason Skerrit puts this woman in charge and he won’t budge.
Hehe, that is a laugh. You don’t see she have billowing skirts for the P.M. to hide under? Like mother hen to protect her little cock chick by any means.
Not only parl reps but we all need to inform ourselves of the Legislative system under which we operate, the rules, the regulations and the procedures. When I did A level British Constitution I had to become with the Dominica constitution, the American Constitution and the British Constitution and parliamentary procedure according to Eirskin May. I was surprise to discover that Britain has no written constitution- no single document.
This studies will empower those who are interested in the facts to proper evaluate the performance of the speaker and members of the house instead of the he said she said attitude.
I want to congratulate the speaker on her record outstanding tenure. Now you job is upgraded to be a role model for our women in smashing the glass ceiling and neutralizing the war on women
Botu……….you really expect this from THIS madam Speaker?:
“Now your job is upgraded to be a role model for our women in smashing the glass ceiling and neutralizing the war on women”.
You see this woman and want this woman to be a “Role Model”…..in 2015? Where on earth have you been for the past 12 years. Didn`t you hear her views on the words “Prostitution and Prostitute”? and when Q 95 played her comments from “Voices of Abused Children” of 12 years ago we never heard her again.
Yes 12 years ago she was a champion for protection of children and families from abuses and bullies…I am sorry she is no longer holds and will no longer see her in this prestigious position
I listened to the radio programme and was very impressed indeed. In my view, there is nothing like being knowledgeable of the rules of the game in which you are playing. Whether you like her personality or not. You have to hand it to the lady, she knows her onions!
So for both Speaker and members of Parliament and in any other human endeavour for that matter, it is always better to inform yourself of the parameters within which you function; where you have jurisdiction and authority in certain matters and where you do not; where you are supported by legislation or other authority to make demands and where you are simply blowing hot air. Anything less is bound to result in the embarassment of trying to save face.
I must say you are very easily impressed, and to even suggest that she knows her onions. Did she know her onions when she attempted to move a motion in the house? Did she know her onions when she undertook to talk to DBS because skerritt was unhappy about its coverage of the proceedings of the house? The house did not take a decision on that but she was going to talk with them anyway. These are just a small sample of her demonstration of ignorance or misunderstanding of the rules of the house.
Papa Dom
No, I am not easily impressed that is why I have differing views from a lot of the commentators on this site, including you obviously, because I look beyond the words for the substance. I also look beyond personalities and do not get swept up in crowd frenzy, particularly negative frenzy such as unexplained and unjustified resentment and animosity toward people that I don’t even know and perhaps have never even spoken to or come close to.
On second thought though, I seem not to be the only one impressed with her knowledge because the courts have vindicated her on every occasion when a matter dealing with her ruling was brought before it and I believe that when it comes to law, I am a lesser mortal than those trained in the field.
Of course, she’s far from perfect and she does appear on occasion to show some bias. Perhaps you can suggest a nominee who will absolutely and on every occasion exhibit whistle clean impartiality!
I am pleased with your comment. Alix’s critics know absolutely nothing about her. They hear what is negative about her, what those other critics perceive her to be and they repeat it without questioning whether it is true, getting to know her and being knowledgeable about the position that she holds as Speaker of the House.
and/or state differently. She deserves compliments of fulfilling her responsibility capably which is why the PM nominated her for another term. It is not without reason.
Alix is a highly intelligent lady. Take it from me. I know her. It is for this reason I stand up for her. Otherwise I would hold my piece – peace.
There are some people who do not appreciate discipline and disciplined people because they, themselves are not disciplined and therefore are unable to apply it and practice it.
Okay Ms. Saunders, I see you expect business as usual. Your piece began with impartiality and void of politics which you attempted to hide. But once you included blowing hot air, you went to the side of the ignorant ones who would just go along. It is not unusual for there to be testy debates in these situations. There should be respect emanating from both ends of the spectrum. Being knowledgeable does not give one the right to turn parliament into a dictatorial forum as ABN has conducted herself.
Hi Business-minded
Thanks for giving me a bit of credit for some level of impartiality until I didn’t sing from your hymn sheet and you suddenly pitchforked me into the ranks of the ignorant ones and, in the court of personal opinion, found me guilty of the villainous act of attempting to hide my politics. That’s okay in this democracy of ours which allows free speech and thought, so you know the implications for your comment above right? You are not allowed to determine for me how I should think!
That said, I totally agree with you that having a command of information does not justify dictatorial behaviour in any circumstance, not just in the Parliament. As a matter of fact, I was not even saying that the lady should be re-elected Speaker. I was simply commenting on how she handled herself on the radio programme and was extrapolating the virtues displayed to other aspects of human endeavour!
So, be careful not to demonise potential customers, that not…
“She know her onions…?” you`re are being selectively….appropriately….?
When Skerrit call out IP (Dr. Pascal) name in the House and said….”IP doh want me to say what I know of IP…”) didn’t the so called outdated Speaker know of the rules of the house? Who the hell all you think all you fooling.
I am looking forward to Honourable Lennox Linton and is Team represent us in the House of Assembly.
The Speaker should pack up, time up……..her tenure is outdated
Barbara, you got it wrong….we are not questioning her knowledge of the rules, but her application, and interpretation of it. She closed a blind eye when the PM called Dr. Pascal`s name in the house and the rule say you cannot do that, and the PM was not stopped nor was he cautioned, warned, sanctioned.
Barbara, I have to ask, are you tuned in to the issues before you summarise?
We are NOT questioning laws, we are questioning and feed up with corruption, bad behaviour, the abused of the laws of Dominica and poor governance.
An informed population is a decisive one. Unfortunately Barbs most D/cans would confuse an onion with a potato politically.
What say U barbs when we are uninformed from top down? Including Barbs Skrit etc. As Much I abhor LL he is well informed Crab backs aside.
Cannot say the same for ABK-alias de …………..Speaker. The japs dominated technology in the 80’s the US, China the Germans in the 21st Century. Those in the know took over. Change was a must and always will and should be. Am no UWP supporter just using their expression
Bars ? Do you know are u familiar with the law of the negation of the negation? If not ask the former MND then DLP then UWP then Neo -DLP act.DPP then back to UWP lawyer. he can give u a class or 2 .One ought to be sufficient.
2 Barbs
Really? I have been following several issues on all sides requiring being well informed before acting or speaking. I’ll reserve my opinion on my conclusions and leave it to learned, analytical people like you who are versed in differentiating onions from potatoes, to influence public opinion on this matter.
Ahahaha! Yes madame speaker, let them know that the house is not a microphone in Q where they can just spread all kinds of propaganda. Let them know that you are highly qualified and experienced in your job and you have the balls to rock back their middle stump when they try to play across the line of the delivery; let them know that your also have TV playback, hawkeye and even Dockworth Lewis at your disposal. Let them know the game will be carried live and everyone will be watching!
Please, ahahaha my foot. Let them know what? She needs to be educated herself on parliamentary proceedings. She conducts the house like she’s the masa with her slaves or as a street woman making noise in Roseau with Yellows.
Ask yourself, why wasn’t she made the president?
Its really baffling what has become of some of you and your logic. Think before you talk.
She is only the Umpire my friend. She must not do The Ministers job for them. She is supposed to be neutral.
That’s a shoe polish Johnny isn’t it? and this is scarce these days do they still make and import Neutral? LMAO Johnny!
Let them know that you are highly qualified and experienced in your job and you have the balls .
First read sounded like the speaker has C.O Jones lol! who knows! PJ & Mike Douglas speculated Mamo has too.
Miss Knight, when last did you attend a meeting, training for Speakers of the Caribbean and when was the last one held. I honestly think that with your unpopularity and standing you have two (2) options, go take a training on decorum and honesty or honestly get out of the Chair, vacate the Peoples` seat and leave honourable people to be in the House.
@ views expressed………….., Don’t you think that it is time for us to lose that attitude of killing the message ,and pay attention to the song. I find her “imperative of the now” comment right on target, and yours very regressive
You perceive that according to your mentality. When last did you attend a training meeting/session to communicate respectfully and amicably and on this Website? Look to yourself and examine your conscience.
Leave my madame speaker alone.
Hatters. Just take some time out for once, whether you like the individual or not and respect her for who and what she is. You are just criticizing for criticizing sake. STOP THAT NONSENSE and for once admire and learn from this highly professional woman. She is honorable indeed. YOU will be the better for it. Who knows you might become speaker of the house some day. (Study to show yourself approved).
I agree with the speaker. That all new palimentarians should follow order and know the rules. So to should the old palimentarians and the speaker. It must be applied without prejudice. The speaker also should also not make decisions based on her indisputable preference for one party over another.
The role of the Speaker of the House is in essence that of a moderator of debate, which should be exercised without ill will or favour. The Speaker has to swear the same oath, or affirmation as the members of parliament or senators, whether he/she is chosen from that body of representatives or not and the importance of the impartiality of the role is emphasized by the fact that the Speaker can neither be a member of Cabinet nor a Parliamentary Secretary. Yes, it is important that parliamentarians acquaint themselves with the rules and regulations of the House and are diligent in the observation of them but the same applies to the Speaker above all. A Speaker can not- and never must be partial and must be absolutely scrupulous in the adherence to this principle, so as not to bring his/her office into disrepute.
Tell that to Barbs and her ilk.
de old speaker its time to take a rest . you all want illness to you all there wait and you will see god is not a police .proverbs go read your proverbs. i see prosper with a long screw driver trying to take out my speaker .speaker sala i paka soty
You could try writing proper English which is not confusing that the educated could comprehend.
to the contrary that would be true Facts lol!
apart from Commonwealth Parliamentary Association holding seminars isn’t it or shouldn’t it be protocol that the house issues copies of the protocol of the house to new members of the house so they can familiarize themselves or use it as a reference guide instead of asking past or present members as the behavior of some of the past and present members of the house especially mr austrie doesn’t seem to in keeping with the expected protocol of the house
For God sake how old is this person? Dominica can do better than that, certainly! The continuation of Madame Speaker as Speaker of the House for this new Parliament is an insult to Dominica’s development process! But again it was never about Dominica’s development for these people, just some personal achievement. Nowadays, saying I am the longest serving this and that has replaced the best, the most competent, and the most capable to do the job!
And you recommend????
First of all, who are you? For God’s sake, how old are you? You are so wrong. Foolish people dwell on age. They lack simple education. Your mentality is warped. You may have to go for a psychiatric assessment. Consider it.
Well why don’t u apply for the position . Is she they need to put there to good for all of all u. Madame speaker is not a hypocrite like all u da people. And i find u rude to insult the lady about age, u will get old too. Give it to dem ms..
How long did Dinosaurs rule de earth? They are no more, just in Museums around the world.
15-20 yrs is too long for one to rule even in the house. T-rex anyone?
it’s 2015 we have to train our dragons.
This warning by Madame Speaker is not meant for parliamentarians on the Government side. Over the last fifteen years, Dominicans have seen on which side of the fence she has been leaning. Why do you think Hon Lennox Linton is so vehement in his effort to get her out of the chair. On many occasions, former parliamentarian Mr. Edison James referred to her as very one sided and cantankerous. Dominicans are fully aware of what happened to her nomination for the presidency. The people of Trafalgar are not surprised by the issuing of warning, because she loves to give warnings.
Warnings? How about ‘a word to the wise?’
How appropriate. Wasn’t mr. Skerrit proclaimed to be the wisest P.M. in the Caribbean?
You are not more intelligent than I, DLP general supporters for that matter. Because her enemies as you, the UWP Party, James, Green and Lennox set all of you, supporters up against her. This is what we observed but you did not win. She is still the Speaker of the House. Eat your heart out!
If that lady think lennox and crew will accept her rubbish then she living in a fool’s paradise. Change came and change will continue to come. Watch the space!
They better be careful for they, the disobedient, will be kicked out of Parliament. They as well as you must learn love and humility. Quoting from Proverbs, eh? If they have no love in their heart and they obviously hate and are determined to disrupt Parliament and place further divisions among Dominicans, hogwash. Their quoting is in vain. It serves no useful purpose to them. Would love to state more.
Well , she has the final say.
how on earth in DAwe fail to let the prisident the house speaker the chief of police know that the elected members wether leading party or opposition members have a majority of people in their fovor to do their job ,and they all should be nutral and give justice to whatever justice is due ,mercei,
You are never too old to learn indeed Madame Speaker! I Trust this also applies to civility and impartiality. The ayes have it!
it is totally Anti democratic to have a controversial speaker of the house for so many years,
It is all in your mind. You and those you support are the controversial ones.
Like Sparrow Slinger Francisco said & By extension Fet would say “We Like it so ”
D/cans don’t like change.
I doubt she self knows the standing order of the house even after 15 years
You must be indeed a Mabouya. What did you state? “She self knows?” What happen to your English? Need to return to primary school, if you had any.
Lol Facts you like ur leader need to be reeducated. This is jargon Facts Barbs after her class with the lawyer must give you some classes to lol.
Who need to return to Pre-K? Facts lol
Words of caution and education. The Speaker has spread her corn, so who the cap fits,let them wear it! D Country Nice Boy
I agree with the speaker (D eyes have it) because the lack of knowledge is deemed to cause conflict. Parliamentarians “Knowledge is power”, knowing your standing orders will give you power.
Oh, I see! That is why Reggie have power??
Hope you will practice what you preaching and not be malicious and one sided.
Stop talking to people like they are children one thing for sure u will not get that luxury of talking to mr Linton like his a child oh noooooo not today not when parliament begins not never not even in ur wildest dreams
ZULU – Lennox not above the rules! His suppoters may think he above the rules – but this lady Speaker is ready for him! So he better learn the rules fast – or else he will be taught the rules LIVE in Parliment!
no what he mean is ,she will not be the speaker anymore,but he fooling his self, linton them can’t make the government side change their nominee
Types like that who think they are above the rules also lack common sense. The rules of The House must be upheld with dignity.
D eyes have it
well Zulu, if Linton think he can come into parliament and behave like he is on the campaign platform, it will be her job as Speaker of the house to deal with him as appropriate, hence this warning! It’s not speaking to anyone as if they’re kids. Parliament is parliament and there are protocol which governs its functions. Go educate yourself as well because it appears that you too are lacking in knowledge of that area as well.
If Lennox behaves in parliament like he did on the political platform and all members of the house follow his behavior then for sure we have an order house. Did you hear him on the campaign train? The man was reasonable.ing, smiling being a paragon of decency. The speaker could learn a few things from Mr. Linton.
Lennox and all the Parliamentarians need to familiarise themselves with the Standing Orders otherwise she can make them look silly or just ask them to sit down. It governs proceedings. It’s actually very good advice. Well done Speaker!!
How stupid can you all get? Keep trying to see
If they behave like children and idiots there is no better way to address them. The Speaker maybe old, but she knows what she talking about. These people were elected to do the people’s work and all they do is complain and bicker.
Zulu if u haven’t anything to say zip up. She rules the house and she can say or do whatever she pleases including telling lennox to shut up. So think before u speak. It seems u like alot of dabar. Here you ” if she think” please go drink a kubuli…
Zulu zip up. She rules the house. She can say and do as she pleases. You sound like a real trouble maker. Just hear u. Take a back sit and enjoy d ride…
Had to type twice because comment was not posting…
lenox you will huf you will puff but you will not blow the house down live my speaker alone
so sound so stupid…all she will do is suspend him f he cant behave in d house…..u should read the rules too
That’s a shoe polish Johnny isn’t it? and this is scarce these days do they still make and import Neutral? LMAO Johnny!