New senator promises to be the voice of women in parliament

Williams attended parliament for the first time on Tuesday
Williams attended parliament for the first time on Tuesday

New Senator of the United Workers Party, Monelle Williams, has said that she intends to become the voice of women and youth in the House of Assembly.

She spoke to Dominica News Online, moments after she was sworn in Parliament on Tuesday.

“I will be a voice in the House of Parliament, particularly for women and younger people,” she said. “Wherever I see the need to advocate on their behalf, I will do so in the area of employment, in the area of women affairs, what can I do to make women’s lives better in Dominica.”

According to her, the duties undertaken by Dominican women are often ignored.

“Many times I see Dominican women being sidelined,” she noted. “The duties that they take on, whatever it is that they do is not recognized on a continuous basis.”

Williams who attended Parliament for the first time on Tuesday, described the experience as ‘interesting.’

“It was quite interesting,” she remarked. “Because of the grandeur of Parliament you would expect everybody to be on their best behavior at Parliament and it was interesting to note people were hitting here, there and everywhere at each other, but the discussion up for argument is a very important one. Parliament is exciting and I look forward to seeing if we can come to the agreement to agree to disagree.”

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54 Comments

  1. De Observer
    July 4, 2014

    Bold and Beautiful young woman!

    I may not always agree with you but I am indeed proud of you!

  2. speak for us
    July 3, 2014

    warm and reassuring

  3. speak for us
    July 3, 2014

    i like her voice it warm and measuring

  4. preacher you fake
    July 3, 2014

    that person called PREACHER i believe must have been living under a stone to write such a comment. we all know madam speaker job of oppressing the opposition members in the
    parliament

  5. Preacher
    July 3, 2014

    I hope she be a voice for women and not a fool walking out of paliment like the others and opposing everything that is good for the country

    • Road boy
      July 3, 2014

      In god name what did this young woman did to you all dam labour people go find some work to do get busy

  6. BRAIN DAMGE
    July 3, 2014

    Happy for you Monnie. Now is the time to pull your socks, tighten your belt because there is plenty of work to do in the St. Joseph constituency.

  7. Face the Facts
    July 2, 2014

    There is so much hypocrisy, it isn’t funny. You could purchase them, place them in a bag and carry them everywhere you go.
    She says she wants to be a voice for women. This obviously should entail every D/can woman with no exception.
    I am being reminded. Recall when Alix-Knight Boyd was nominated for President and how she was badly treated by UWP supporters, what was stated against her which she did not deserve. Those supporters were not DLP. We know who set them up to that. What goes around comes around. It is at this moment with more to come.
    Alix is a woman. What support did she get from UWP supporters as women as you, Monelle? None at all. Where were you Monelle at that time? How many comments did you join with on this Website in debasing her? Did you?
    A bit too late to be a voice for Alix which may never have come in the first place. You won’t be a voice for her for she needs no one to be a voice for her. She can handle her affairs; a highly independent lady.

  8. ????????
    July 2, 2014

    It was quite interesting,” she remarked. “Because of the grandeur of Parliament you would expect everybody to be on their best behavior at Parliament and it was interesting to note people were hitting here, there and everywhere at each other, but the discussion up for argument is a very important one. Parliament is exciting and I look forward to seeing if we can come to the agreement to agree to disagree.”

    You agreed that the Discussion (topic) up for argument is a very important one and you did not contribute to the discussions. Where is your representation of the women and youth? This was the time to stand by what you said but instead you followed the other “disgruntled blaming others men” Girl open your eyes and do what you have to do. Do not let those tired disgruntled men turn you into one of them … Saying this now and their actions not portraying what they said in the 1st place.

    • %
      July 2, 2014

      @??????????????
      Like the leader of Team Dominica /UWP, Monell needs to be firm and sometimes loud and resolute, when defending or advocating for the vulnerable women, especially those that leaders from amongst us want to prey on, abuse and exploit because they require help.
      With Lennox Linton (the incoming PM) leading the way in this respect, i think Monell is a capable and competent partner. NOW I CAN SAY THAT WITH THE TWO OF THEM, , this abuse of our women will be curtailed.
      MONELL HAS IMPRESSED ME TREMENDOUSLY. Certainly a politician to look frorward to in the future, which could be this year (2014) self.
      HOW LONG?
      NOT LONG!

      • Face the Facts
        July 5, 2014

        I am not impressed that she wants to help women. Who is she deceiving? In what manner she wants to help them?
        I do believe all women can take care of themselves. They do not need anyone to further mess up their lives and confuse them.
        Many have stated they want to help women. Look at what the world has become today. They are feminist,; they want rights to commit abortion, to use as much contraceptives as they could; to cohabit and the list of immorality goes on.
        Note how many have contracted cancer of . . . and other illnesses and have died, some very young. So much for the modern woman. It did them no good.
        Let them fight their battles. They should know how. If they need to open their mouths to tell people off and curse them, they will do this very well and at the top of their voice.
        Tell them to live a moral life and to respect themselves. Turn to God, pray and perform works of love. Cease being self-centered and think more of others, offering a helping hand where possible and less of themselves. Then everything will fall into place for them. There is much more which I could state.

  9. ????????
    July 2, 2014

    Give me a break ” A voice for Women” or will she being just exactly as she did yesterday … the Opposition did not give a contribution re the CCJ debate. Although the leader said he supports the move to CCJ but had reservations which he did not say at the House where he represents persons who voted him. Debate time they make a “disappearing act”. The Young lady had stated she would bring a different level to the house but also did a “disappearing act: herself. Too much parler when they out of the house and when they in they not talking but protesting, disappearing or getting moomo. We cannot accept that and Monelle let me see you using your voice for women and not following those big babies … Time will tell Monelle whether you will be a follower or a leader or is more talk from you as the others do as well. Saying one thing and doing another (double standards) . Supporters time to tell your party to stop this nonsense …. Are they serious of representing or just blaming? Let them know how you feel.

    • July 2, 2014

      why is it some of us Dominicans are so d– m stupid Hector John is the leader of the Opposition in the House not Monelle Williams she will know when to speak and not when DLP supporters want her to do so you guys should know that is a very out spoken person so no one is going to intimidate her not even you ok.

    • Face the Facts
      July 2, 2014

      They also should learn some dignity and how to properly communicate to one another, stating their views across without being disagreeable and shouting and carrying-on. It seems like a real raucous.

  10. The Times
    July 2, 2014

    Please Monell don’t do like the orders to cross for the Labour patty i no they will flash the million in your face to see how wick u are

    • July 2, 2014

      Monell Williams is not as shallow as Lorraine Bannis ….. now she’s sitting in the BVI getting paid by the Taxpayers of Dominica and all she does is recruit for voting purposes and get passport applications, when Team Dominica UWP gets into power all of abuse will stop and Lorraine will have to look for work like everyone else.

    • eyes open
      July 3, 2014

      ediot learn to spell..this simple word party not patty..patty is what we eat..lol

      • eyes open
        July 3, 2014

        idiot the words are, party, not patty(2) word is know not no,(3)weak not wick..were did you learn to spell

    • Face the Facts
      July 5, 2014

      weak

  11. rainbow
    July 2, 2014

    Head up high girl. Hit them with positive vibes. congrats, SenJo massive proud of you.

  12. humble_me
    July 2, 2014

    Good say Ms. Williams people heating at each or and not thinking of the country.

    • Face the Facts
      July 2, 2014

      hitting

      It seems this is how all politicians’ in houses of parliaments and legislatures conduct themselves worldwide.
      If you can ever access http://www.cbc.ca – Canadian Broadcasting Corporation – and view one of the politicians’ debates, you will see how they conduct themselves as little, disobedient and undisciplined children who cannot behave themselves when especially out in public and in company. They are all hitting against the other. There may be a few quiet ones who put their points across but some of them are so loud. For this reason, I hardly view those sessions.

  13. July 2, 2014

    Congratulations miss willams stand up for your rights people like you we need, let women rights prevail to many women going down in the gutter, we need help change will come god knows best peace be with you and be strong

  14. Lougaoo Mem
    July 2, 2014

    Yes! Say as they may, the new senator is here to stay. She’s already voicing her concerns for the under-privilege and down trodden.

    She’s going to be the senator that everyone will emulate in the people’s house. So let the haters on the other side of the isle emit what they do best, anger, hatred and a lack of civility towards those who do not share their ideology.

  15. Precious
    July 2, 2014

    Monelle we are all proud of u thanks that you are looking out for women and young people don’t worry about your critics God is watching over u

  16. DRASTIC
    July 2, 2014

    I see a future Prime Minister in this young lady

    • Stamos
      July 3, 2014

      lol

  17. ST.JOE MASSIVE
    July 2, 2014

    @ Voice…. I live in Monell’s area and she has displayed not only now but over the years an attitude of caring for people. Always had a kind word or smile for someone; always participating in events that are hosted by the community. So What if she were not in a recent March? Did you find out the reason for her absence. She IS INDEED A PEOPLE’S PERSON and not even the labourites St.Joseph and environs can deny that. UNLIKE Darroux who still cannot relate to people. The man is a lame politician… He will see UWP and DLP supporters in a area; greet the labourites and not say hi to the supporters of the UWP. I am certain if the BIASED organizers of those events had invited her she would have been there.. But they wouldn’t since she outsmarts Drroux in every way they are scared to embarass him. Congratulations Senator; the HONORABLE Monell Williams. “Sa zour patay vlay enbas carban zour douvent la porte zour

  18. Thomson's Girl!!
    July 2, 2014

    To Alex and others, Keep all you eyes in check!!!

  19. Sports Lover
    July 2, 2014

    being in parliament is not on a political platform

  20. Too late
    July 2, 2014

    Too late : Ms Williams what do you intend to bring to parliament
    Ms Williams: I intend to bring more debate and represent women issues
    Too late : what about you mr Austire what do you intend to bring
    Mr Austrie: I hear dem talking about gutta politics but dat not in my vocabulary.
    Too late : mr Austrie do you think the opposition will represent the people well in parliament
    Mr Austrie: How can dey represent the people well? lennox, Dr Fonatine and seeceeyay go america in winter and pick up two old jacket and two old felt hat by salvation army and say they going to talk to people.
    Too late : ms williams do you support the move to CCJ
    Ms Williams: The matter must first be brought to the people.
    Too late : Mr Austrie I recently heard Dr Fontaine echo the similar sentiment as ms Williams. How do you respond?
    Mr Austrie: Dr Fontaine? what is dat? Doctor?you will put Dr Fontaine around a table with Dr Denzil Douglas and Portia Simpson miller?
    Ms Williams: these inept men must be taken out of government and for this cause I RISE!

    • Smh
      July 2, 2014

      Isnt lever darroux the one she is up against?

      • Smh
        July 2, 2014

        Kelver

  21. Wow,
    July 2, 2014

    Be the voice of the people in general

    • Anonymous
      July 2, 2014

      @ Wow… she said particuarly. I’m sure you heard her acceptance speech where she also stated that she will serve the St.Joseph constituency in parliament as well. Her contribution I am sure will not be only beneficial to women and young persons

  22. Congrats
    July 2, 2014

    Monelle…I am impressed with your strength and confidence….Keep your head high because you have PLACES TO GO….

  23. A Dominican WOMAN
    July 2, 2014

    Congratulation Monell !!! As a woman myself, I am proud of you. You are willing to START, this is what is important. You may have never joined a club or contributed, but the mere fact that you are willing to do so right now, I applaud you. SPEAK!!! on behalf of the women of Dominica, because so many of us are in hurting and in desperate situations, but cant speak up. Go in there… RESPECT yourself, RESPECT other women members and RESPECT your male counterparts, Teach our nation again the importance and role of A WOMAN IN SOCIETY

  24. ehhhhhh
    July 2, 2014

    you go monell…wel love u…thanks for being the voice for us woman and the young people…. :-D :-D :-D

    • ah ha
      July 3, 2014

      Really? lol

  25. Voice
    July 2, 2014

    Charity begins at home Monell! Practice what you preach. Besides working are you there for the people you are advocating to have their best interest in mind. When the students took the streets calling to stop the abuse and molestation, as a mother where were you! Tell one organization or club in the St. Joe district you belong too. How can you go to parliament and advocate rights for other people and you have never made any contribution to that society. Your party has made you an overnight sensation, the truth will reveal.

    • !!!
      July 2, 2014

      Stop that “CRAB IN A BARREL” mentally and uplift the young lady rather than pull her down. She is very courageous to venture into politics at such a very young age so she needs all the encouragement and support that she can get.

      • Voice
        July 2, 2014

        The children she brought into the world comes first. A woman in politics is great, but being a good nurturing and caring mother takes precedent over all. Do not call names get the facts first.

      • Face the Facts
        July 2, 2014

        There is a lot of hypocrisy among some people. When it suits them and who they support, they speak well of and defend. Others they lambaste and no matter what good these do, nothing is correct and pleasing to them. I am a writer but an observer too.

    • A Dominican WOMAN
      July 2, 2014

      Voice; its sad to see your statement; It is comments like these which discourage women from pursuing higher goals in life. Its comment like these which allow women to remain in unhealthy relationships. Maya Angelou says that “Courage allows the successful woman to fail- and learn powerful lessons- from the failure- so that in the end, she didn’t fail at all….. Nothing will work unless you start doing!!! Just encourage the young lady!!! smh

      • Face the Facts
        July 2, 2014

        I cannot stand hypocrisy. Few people are honest. How quickly do some people forget.
        I do not know who you are and which Party you support but I have noted how some of you, by your comments have lambasted some people on this Website when, in my estimation, they did not deserve it.
        Therefore, you, allow “Voice” to provide his/her comments just as you expect of others. There are times we disagree and there are times we agree. I stand up for the truth and fairness.

      • aADominican Woman
        July 4, 2014

        I support no party….. I WILL HOWEVER VOTE wisely for my development and that of my daughters was trying to contribute without being politically, but here you go……and just as you have the right to comment under my post when you perceived something is not right, SO CAN I… and from other comments that you have made I think you should say WE THE HYPOCRITES……..

    • hmmmm
      July 2, 2014

      Good comment “practice what u preach”. Just a set of ideas, but will they really be implemented? I doubt

      • Face the Facts
        July 2, 2014

        Is this not interesting? This goes for each and everyone, “to practice what they preach.” You are no exception.

    • Antiguan
      July 2, 2014

      I need to ask voice if he knows a group in Antigua named CULTURAL EXPRESS. Was he the treasurer of the group and why did he leave Antigua to run down to Dominica ?

      • Toure
        July 3, 2014

        Do tell!! Voice has been silence.

    • 767
      July 2, 2014

      Amen to that! I am from st.joseph and before politics monel has never been part of any community groups,activities no contribution at all! As soon as she was scouted thats when she start smiling for everybody on the street now she get involved….and people outside st.joe Monel is not from st.joseph nor mero nor layou nor bells, she is from layou park!! born and raised! she moved to senjo when she meet her man!

      • Face the Facts
        July 2, 2014

        She should marry and make this relationship legal. If anyone wants to practice dignity, they should live a respectable life. In this era, too often this is not the case.
        If they want to be the spokesperson for anyone and to help them, they must live a godly life Too many are playing ladies and gentlemen when they are not. They are merely putting on an act. Save me this please!
        For Our Lord Jesus Christ said, “Apart from Me you can do nothing.” The Lord has said it and taught it. Not me.

      • ehhhhhh
        July 3, 2014

        and watz ur point????? 8-O 8-O 8-O 8-O

    • must speak
      July 2, 2014

      @ were you on the streets with the children calling to stop the abuse etc? what are you doing? stop trying to find faults in Ms. Williams. stop the jealousy. Ms. Monell Williams is and will continue to do what she can to fight for women rights, young and old. It’s not an overnight sensation and yes time will tell. she will be one of the most powerful women in Dominica and the Eastern Caribbean!

      One other thing I hope charity begins at your home!
      Stop the Hate.

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