Member of Parliament for Roseau Central is reporting that his attempt to bring the situation at the Dominica Grammar School (DGS) to the attention of the government through parliament was turned down twice by the Speaker of the House.
“This is my second attempt to bring to the attention of Government the serious deteriorating situation at the Dominica Grammar school,” Prevost said, contending that the situation at the school is directly linked to the lack of sporting facilities and the lack of proper facilities for teachers.
According to the opposition MP, the Speaker must accept much of the blame for the DGS situation.
He made reference to one of the questions sent by him to parliament: “Is the Minister aware that it is almost 10 years, since the Dominica Grammar School has had no playing field, and that the grounds of the school were so overgrown at the opening of this School term, that there was a black cow tied to graze right in the middle of the School yard, close to an old shipping container shed and a huge pile of stones and rubbish, which are in the yard up to this day? Will the Minister inform this Honorable House, when will the huge piles of debris, garbage and bush, in both the front yard and the backyard of the Dominica Grammar School be removed.”
However, Prevost said, the Speaker of the House did not allow the question.
The MP said he further attempted to bring his question to the House through a motion of Privilege under rule 35, but this was also denied by the Speaker.
Below is the motion read by the Roseau Central MP and made available to Dominica News Online:
“Whereas rule (21) of the standing orders of the House of Assembly provides that Members may put questions to Ministers relating to public affairs for which they are responsible,
And whereas for this sitting of the House of 16th February 2012, the Hon Member for Roseau Central Constituency gave notice to the clerk of the house of four questions, two to the Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs , one to the Minister of Education and one to the Prime Minister,
And whereas none of the members four questions has been entered on the order paper,
And where as the Speaker has not informed the member that his questions infringe any rules nor that they are out of order in accordance with rule 23 (2).
Be it resolved that this Honourable House upholds the privilege of all Honourable members to ask questions to ministers in accordance with rule 21 to 23 ,
And be it further resolved that this Honorable House, directs the Speaker to include the four questions of the member for Roseau central on the order paper or inform the member in accordance with rule 23, why she should not include the member’s questions on the Order Paper.”
Norris mst learn to shake his bag where he sold his coals. It was not the Speaker that made Hector leader of the Opposition over him. Now Norris has once again been outmanoevered and Eddison is back firmly in saddle. Norris ochipay zafer’ou evec kitay speaker la bat mizer’y
GOV’T SHOULD MAKE SURE THAT NO ANIMALS ARE BE TIED ON THE SCHOOL COMPOUND .IT CAN BE DANGEROUS FOR EVERY ONE SPECIALLY THOSE THAT YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE OF …TEACHERS AND STUDENTS.
IF ANY THING HAPPENS TO ANY ONE GOV’T IS RESPONSIBLE
THE ANIMAL OWNERS SHOULD KNOW THAT IT IS PROHIBITED TO PUT ANIMALS ON A SCHOOL COMPOUND.PUT A SIGN TO INDICATE THAT IT IS WRONG .
IF ANY THING HAPPENS TO ANY ONE ,THEN THEY SHOULD TURN AGAINST THE OWNER OF THE ANIMALS.
I THINK ADULTS SHOULD NOT BE TOLD AT ALL TIMES WHAT IS WRONG AND RIGHT.A COW CAN BE DANGEROUS FOR THE OWNER AS IT CAN BE FOR STRANGERS ALSO.
NOT LONG AGO A YOUNG MAN WAS KILLED AT PORTSMOUTH…TAKE HID BEFORE SOMEONE ELSE GETS INJURED OR DIE .
I AGREE .SO WHAT IS THE BLACK COW AND THE BLUE GOAT DOING THERE
Nice job Prevost!
Even the cow and all posing for the camera.
Expose them.
Hmmmm…a cow grazing in the school yard; madam speaker not allowing the member’s motion to have the cow removed…so a student slams a teacher at that same school…see the logic? Is those politicians that causing that!! Probably we don’t really need politicians, eh?
I have been to court a few times and in there i know you need to follow the rules and everytime you don’t will be reminded to. Now an honorable house with honorable men as the house is suppose to be, i would expect them to know and follow the rules. The speaker have a job to do ofcourse she has her bais but she asking for the rules to be followed i don’t see something wrong with that. People who mostly complain is simply palying politics and that’s clear to see like suggesting that she should give them a break yet still so much break i hear them getting. The woman is stricked and the opposition can’t handle that so all they trying to do is frustrate the speaker. I strongly believe that the opposition knows very well that they won’t ever retain power and that makes them angry so they trying hard to create problems.
One word “Utter Rubbish”.
but how he knew that there was oing to be a cow there to even walk with someone to take the photo i smell a fish nice photo………………..Mrs.Knight chill out in the day and leave the people them alone we want then in the house pls no more face book for hector
there Prevost tie his cow??
We see that the sporting facilities and the other issue did not cause the prob,yes. Regardless,its questions geared at improving conditions for the upcoming generation.
This speaker’s judgement is too politically clouded. Time for a change.
The Speaker of the House needs to GO! She doesn’t have the people’s best interest at heart. The matter posed by Mr. Prevost should have been accepted for discussion. And the chuildren’s voices should have been heard. It would not have taken out anything form them during Parliament to hear them out. That’s what Parliament is for. Good job Mr. Prevost.
I continue to be amazed at the koshonie that I see passing as news here. Why do we need parliamentary debate and house intervention etc. etc. to get the damn grounds clean? Everything in DA that should be done has a preamble of speeches, discussion, argument by so-called politicians before it can be done. It’s a wonder no one has drowned in the spittle that must be flying with all that yaw-yawing. When Dadaye used to mow DGS grounds I didn’t know the speaker and the parliament etc had hot debate over his work. I must have slept through it. Less politics and more action, please.
Many of you blame the Speaker of the House. Do you think that another Speaker of the House will do better just as a new government? People know what they have but they do not know what they will get and what the future holds for them. I do believe that you missed the point.
Provost directly linked the DGS situation to the lack of sporting facilities and the lack of proper facilities for teachers.
This has nothing to do with unruly students. He did not mention the unruly students who lack discipline and that disciplinary measures should be put in place. Some of them have failed to address the primary issue which is a cause for concern.
Pertaining to over-grown grass and a cow that is grazing, DGS needs a janitor or a maintenance person to take care of the grounds.
As for the grazing cow, the owner should be charged for this is trespassing and tying his/her cow to the school yard to graze – without permission. Some people are something else and can do some stupid things and inconsiderately. They act as if the property of others belong to them.
Discipline the children. Employ a maintenance person. Charge that owner. This is the solution. There should be no fanfare about it.
Of course, address the issue of sporting facilities and lack of proper facilities for teachers. This, too, could be rectified.
As observed by those occurrences, Dominica requires a lot of changes and immediately. Everything costs money but some are more important than others. It appears to me that these are important factors to be addressed and implemented and soon enough.
AMEN TO THAT!!!!!!
DNO: “Member of Parliament for Roseau Central is reporting that his attempt to bring the situation at the Dominica Grammar School (DGS) to the attention of the government through parliament was turned down twice by the Speaker of the House.”
What is “the situation?” Is it the disciplinary matter at the school or the condition of the school’s surroundings? I have read and re-read Hon. Prevost’s question to the House and i see only reference to the physical conditions of the school.
DNO please we need to cast a vote as to whether We need the Speaker Change or not. Please take my request into consideration. We need to know Whether Alex Boyd Knight has the full support of the public to stay as speaker or not…………………..
Concern Citizen with know affiliation to any political party.
“everything is upside down”, ask Assa Banton for news. Let me give u news; them parlimentarian are talking in tongues because Alex Boyd night don’t have BALl and Hear them man, Mr. speaker. And saying they Intelligent.Alex sounding like a real sokuya!
Isn’t there a deputy speaker named Toulon who takes over if the speaker gets up? We really neeed to learn before making such silly comments.
Prevost is nothing soft boy. Good point,and i like the picture.
ITS OVER A YEAR SINCE UWP BOYCOTTED PARLIAMENT AND PROCEEDED TO PROMOTE VIOLENCE AND BAD BEHAVIOR.THE BAD DECIPLINE WE ARE SEEING IS A RESULT OF THE EXAMPLE SET BY THE WEE WEE WHINY UWP .THE ARE BEHAVING LIKE A BUNCH OF SPOILT BRATS
I HAVE ALWAYS ADMIRED YOU Mr Prevost. A pity i don’t vote in Roseau Central….Good Parlimentary Representative.KEEP IT UP!
Thats no cow. Just a lot of Bull! But whatever it is, something smells fishy!
Well Dominicans u all not easy.
In all fairness, Dominca needs a new speaker for the house, if we are to maintain our democrasy and I stronly support the labour Party.
yea in all fairness you need to stop abuseing us with your spelling,what is it?democracy or democrasy,oh wait you must be from marrigot,yea that is cocoy.
Nice Cow Boi, Mahaut fellas would eat that boi..
That cow was aware it’s pic was being taken.. see it pose?
yea to me that cow was planning on running down he tail part
bout he dey ah play politics in de boy backyard.
Good job, I just see the padna that burst the teacher head pass their in a gang of little newtown fellaz.
The game of Politics is presented right before our eyes, the opposing party looking to capitalize or score points by exploiting and using the plight of the students situation to further their political aspirations.
This should not be surprising. I was expecting a statement by the Leader of the opposition The Hon. Hector John giving support to the students, and on the other hand i did not hear a statement from the Min.of Education condemning the attack on a Teacher sending a message to the students that such incidents cannot be tolerated within the Education system and even go further by calling the police to investigate the matter, he should intervene directly in this situation not the Chief Eduction officer.
Mr. Prevost story, is very laughable. The situation and incident that has accrued at the DGS is in no way caused by what he is alleging and these questions are not related in any way to
to the present situation. How can a person of the caliber of Mr Prevost make a statement quote
” the situation at the school is directly linked to the lack of sporting facilities and the lack of proper facilities for teachers” Where is the facts and evidence to support such statement. There are many Schools around the Island that do not have playing grounds or sporting facilities, and their Students do not go about assaulting Teachers.The SMA does not have a playing field, do the students go about assaulting Teachers.Regarding facilities for teachers,we have never heard them complain,neither their Union, don’t you think if they had an issue with facilities they would lunch a complain through their Union.
The problems facing the DGS is not about having proper playing fields,and it is not about Politicians wanting to score points.This is a much deeper issue with many things involve.This situation should not be politicized.Some of these Students are our future Leaders and so special attention should be given to this situation.
PREVOST is more than right…I support you Mr Prevost 1000 000%
Gary, The opposition is not there to make the Government look good but to point out their failings and bad judgements like the 27 million palace while the hospital and health service and other social services decaying
DNO, I am aware that the speaker within the rules could allow any parliamentarian on both sides the latitude to raise a matter of urgent national importance, what is so wrong with this Honourabe member motion to raise a matter of national importance such as the grammer school matters? This is the level of political biasness that the opposition has to deal with, this opposition should not have to tolerate this and if it means any form of physical protest they must do it to command respect from the speaker, DNO, you may wish to view the parliament website of Trinidad and Tobago(ttpraliament.org) and on the order paper you will see an item Motion/Matters condisered to be of urgent national importance, this is where the speaker of the parliament uses his discretion to allow any mamber of parliament to raise those matters, with this speaker not to sure if we will ever get to the 2020 vision to modernize our democracy.
So cutting the grass (as was in the question according to Prevost) is of urgent national importance? Zor pas feb. And how many times, if any, was such a matter entartained by a Speaker in Trinidad? Get your facts straight.
Good job Mr. Prevot. This is what you were supposed to be doing from day one. Keep putting pressure on the Govt and the speaker to address this rapidly growing issue.
The Speaker of the House is doing her work as it should be. Stop being bias the UWP representatives are just being wicked. I am not a supporter of any Party but from what i am seeing in the House of Parliament, the Opposition Party are just a bunch of jokers. The Speaker is just ensuring that every member of the House of Parliament adhere to the rules of the House. Should she he castigated for doing a good job. Stop playing politics and let the lady do her work. I am a woman and really admire that woman. Continue to be strong Mr. Boyd-Knight.
wow… so i guess you think she is a man too
hard proof the person has no idea what they are talking about. most likely someone overseas who is anti-uwp.
You are so Red you seem to be mad…Prevost has always been a brilliant mind.Politican,businessman etc. Go throw away your Red Glasses, and listen to the message.
Well-said!
Hate her or love her, the Speaker is very effective and transparent in what she does. I do not recall a moment when she has not given reasons for her decisions. In addition, she actually quotes the relevant sections of the law so that all can read and judge for themselves. Furthermore, teh afct that she has won each of the court cases brought against her, challenging her decisions, is testament to the quality of her work.
DNO WHAT ABOUT THIS COMMENT THAT MAKES IT LOW AND NEED TO BE HIDDEN?????? EDUCATE ME… BECAUSE I SEE SOME COMMENTS THAT ARE THERE AND BELIEVE ME I WOULD NOT PUT THEM!!!
stupid comment, everyone in DA support a party. those who say they dont are just scared. All you just need to be honest. Dominica has now the worst prime minister, the worse speaker of the house and the worse president ever, put politics aside and judge well.
The speaker of the house is in no way helping Dominica by the way she is performing her duties.
She is not hurting the UWP she is hurting Dominica.
this is what a lot of people don’t realize. By disallowing the opposition members’ questions in the house,we the members of the general public will not hear their side-never hear them ‘oppose’,or hear the problems they have to bring up; and then we’ll say D/ca has a lazy opposition.
And when they do not go to the house they are blasted left right and centre. Where is the fairness????
She start againnnnnn
She had never stopped you know.
Here we go again with UWP ignorance, blame the speaker! What a joke the Speaker is responsible for the situation at DGS. The speaker is way more intelligent and versed on rules and regulations of Parliament and she has proven that time and time again! So Prevost, stop your and let parents take responsibility for their children violent outburst.
you should get some adult ed…get it ?
I am happy you are attending Adult Ed classes. Hope ;you get a little smarter. GOOD JOB BY PREVOST.
people with dark mind cant see too far from thier toe
This parlrep looks like Morgan freeman thus meaning he should be making movies. But good work man go to parliament and do the work of the people bro. keep it up. don’t walk out again.
Prevo, people can say what they say, but you have worked tirelessly for the Roseau Central constituency. And this coming from a non – worker.
Real recognizes real, and you are familiar.
DGS is supposed to be the premier government high school, and it is far from that. Such a rich history, having produced so many talented leaders, and yet the institution continues to be ignored.
Although I do believe that the DGS (all schools actually) should have proper facilities, that is not what caused the situation at DGS. The continued breakdown of the home and the lack of moral training from a young age are the causes for the issues we are seeing today. The blame cannot be placed on politics; we (parents and community members) have to take some blame.
I know the youth are not the model citizens we want, but i doubt it is their fault that the government is not providing them with the proper environment and facilities for learning. Shame on the “government of Dominica” and shame on the people for allowing this utter disregard for the future of these students, hence the future of our country.
Dalton Charles
@ Anonymous
Why are school children so disobedient? If they are disobedient and disrespectful in a high school of all to the point of injuring a teacher, who is to blame? Place the blame where it belongs, first on parents of all. Parents should also not encourage their children to be disobedient.
There is a line between parents and children. One day, they will pay the price for failing to discipline their children. If they disciplined their children and they refuse to listen, they must do something about it.
When I attended elementary school and high school, I dare not be rude to the teachers. I would not even consider it. I knew that my parents would be extremely angry. If punished by the school principal, my parents would side with them and reprimand me. I would never consider being rude to my teachers and not even other students. We were expected to conduct ourselves appropriately. Otherwise!
Do you know what else? In my adult life I conduct myself in that same manner. I cannot state that everyone whom I know and met possess the identical or similar traits. However, this is the life I live and as I always state, it makes me happier and peaceful. What we do to others, it returns to us two-fold.
Those students are in need of discipline. I do not place the place on anyone else but that it commences in the home. Secondly, the Minister of Education and the school master should do something about it. It is ridiculous to state that they cannot discipline those children. This makes me angry. If those children are not disciplined at home and in school, where will they receive the discipline and what will happen to them later on in life?
In my personal life I will not tolerate rudeness from children. Children are children. They must know their place as children. Period!
BRAVO
So how would the speaker feel if all of this was placed infront of her house? Come on.. show some empathy
how prevost like controversy and chat so nuh?
Somebody please tell me when is the last time Prevost was even in parliament? Instead of his behind all over the place bout he boycotting, he should have been in parliament fighting for the rights of his constituents. It took protesting students to stir them into action. Why didn’t he address the situation in the media before? Why only now everyone wants to play the blame game? Now he here trying to wash shame out of his eyes. I’m patiently waiting on any politician to come in-front of my door looking for a vote. Ne government, ne opposition mem bett, mem pwell. Six of one, half a dozen of the other!!!!!
U are an idiot
To express one’s views makes them an idiot? Thank you Mr. Educated. No wonder the country is in the state it is. A bunch of educated fools blinded by political colours.
He’s in parliament now isn’t he? And he’s doing the job he’s been voted to do representing his constituents, so I really don’t see your problem.
He’s there now? Plzzzzzz
u dam lie. you patiently awaiting the next election to put your X by the Shoe. Think people cannot read between the lines with allu “mem bet mem pwel” business? lmao
is not blows alone you all know how to pass…if you people were good parents chances are you would have good kids……parents need to be taught good parenting skills or the viscous cycle will go on and on……….it will only get worst…………keep threatening and screaming after you all kids……….keep talking down on them………..never listen to them when they speak………..they will go to school and fight the teacher the same way they fight you at home and they may act even worst in school…and decide that what happening to them at home will never happen to them at school
i even read a crazy person suggestion to equip guards with guns……….haha………well is now you people looking for trouble
very interesting……
politics really taking over DA
Mr. Prevost this morning my husband and I were speakign about what they have done to my beautiful DGS and how we have no sporting facilities and the place looks like a dump. No sporting facilities for youth in the Roseau central area- they removed DGS grounds, and Windsor Park and now they have Goodwill Savannah all set aside for Carnival! It really is a shame that the speaker will let politics interfere with the development of our youth.
Just keep on exposing the unconstitutional behavior of the Speaker of the House. This House does not belong to one who acts like you rhyme it.
How on earth can the nation move forward with such bitter, selfish partisan behavior? Just another reason to get her out for the sake of the country’s political health.
she need to be removed, she only support one side.how can she be removed?
“Beef”; that’s what for dinner!! That could make a great “photo of the day”
@ Concerned citizen
Smartie! You made me laugh.
It would make a good picture indeed, a real and lasting one. A “Photo of the Day”. I wonder why DNO did not give it a thought or did they?
you see the same dam thing again!!! i hope those who support the government see what is happening
and why not suspend the house to talk to the school children? was that too much to ask?
and we say we love them!!!
Dictatorship. I don’t know why is it that we even have a house of assembly anymore.
So de speaker from Trafalgar cause DGS problem!
I am a Labourite and I think it is time we have a new Speaker in the house. This speaker has been very controversial and I think she is an impediment to democracy in Dominica,. Rather than presiding in a manner that is responsible she is being one sided. We need a speaker who takes into consideration the entire citizenry instead of just one party. I know I will get some stick for saying so and I am prepared for the consequences but it is the truth. She is biased.
i second that.Shouldn’t the speaker by INDEPENDENT?
She start well early..
The cow is like, why you guys just invading my privacy like that. “I am gonna send a lawyer paper’.
the cow suing too
ask tony!!
The speaker of the House is a disgrace. It is a shame that the UWP was refused to have this important issue to be heard.
These are among the reasons why they should stay out of this illegal parliament.Where is Dominica heading?
Cowards die many tie before their death, but the valiant never taste of death but once. Raise up my people and defeat this Gov’t.
The Question should have been allowed, as i see it as being rather constructive with the nation’s future in mind.
@ Trey
What future in mind? Sports field and facilities for teachers?
The government should have proper facilities for teachers. If he means facilities, as a proper area where they can sit, relax, read and eat, the government should ensure that they have one, a lounge or dining area as it is called. Every work facility should have one.
As for a sports field, space is required. Students can no longer go to the Windsor Park to play regular cricket and football. They need an area to play and exercise. However this is not as important as implementing and establishing discipline in a school. They cannot allow children/students to be the boss and boss them and also injure them. This should never occur and by no means in school. Something is radically wrong with the school system if this is allowed and to continue. Otherwise, there should be no school for those perpetrators who think they are older and smarter than the teachers.
Sport fields are not the problem!
most likely the manner in which the questions are ask, thats why they are thrown out.
This is a specific question, indicate in your own judgement what you think is about the manner of this question that would cause it to be thrown out?
You know nothing. That is not even a question. Go and learn the laws of the house before you write. If I had a computer school you would see how much times I would write about Prevost.
most sensible comment so far. People dont come to the House to listen and learn; now it is televised they still dont stay home and view yet they believe they know the rules better than the Speak and the Clerk. Mr. Prevost knows very well why his question was thrown out and he knows too that the Speaker was right in her ruling. He is very mischievous and childish. The only Opposition Member who showed signs of learning and not geting involved in petty politics was Mr. Isodore
@ Dominican in the BVI
I endorse your comment. When asking questions, they must be diplomatic and respectful.
UWP DOES NOT KNOW HOW TO RESPECT
If this is true then maybe it’s time we have a new speaker???
WHAT WE NEED IS A NEW ATTIDUDE FROM THE UWP PEOPLE.THEY SHOULD STOP BEING A BUNCH OF TROUBLE MAKERS