‘SERIOUS MISTAKE’: Former Speaker encourages Opposition to attend Parliament

Opposition members, Edison James (left) and Ron Green attending a Peoples Parliament session.

Former Speaker of the House of Assembly Neva Edwards wants the Opposition United Workers Party to assume its role in the Parliament and said the party’s decision to stay out is a serious “mistake”.

Since the December 18, 2009 general elections the UWP has not been occupying its position during sittings of the house; members say they are still angered about the “unfair” staging of the last election. The UWP has been attending “The Peoples Parliament” – a forum which it has said will let the voices of the people be heard.

But Edwards has underscored that the House of Assembly is now the correct forum through which the Opposition can effectively represent the people.

“The Peoples Parliament is not bearing any effective change to Dominica… Unless they go in there [the House of Assembly] and do what they have to do, they will never get what they deserve,” she declared.

Edwards was elected Speaker of the House on November 1, 1993 during the administration of the Dame Eugenia Charles-led Dominica Freedom Party. She served in that capacity until August 2, 1995.

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56 Comments

  1. Family Guy!
    April 20, 2011

    Them two fellas there looking sad eh allu…why na? all dey doin is attending peoples parliament wi, with de same 20 people…alas..poor pity!!

  2. dom
    April 20, 2011

    we all are dom in dominica and we will never get any where ,thats y they call us dom

  3. Pedro
    April 20, 2011

    Mrs Edwards must first tell us what she think of the operation of the present house of Assembly. She must find out if the rights of the members are respected. She must also comment on the illegal elections in Dominica.

  4. Manyways
    April 20, 2011

    If DNO runs a poll as to how many dominicans listen to the house when in session and carried live on radio
    i know the percentage will be very low, So when people talking about the opposition not attending, the same people don’t have a clue as to what was debated.

    • WIKILEAKS
      April 20, 2011

      So based on your analysis, because the listening percentage is low, the opposition should stay out.

      And this is the analogy the uwp keeps coming up all the time. So the same should be true, if the people continously do not vote for the uwp, they should just give up politics.

      I like your analogy Manyways

  5. believer
    April 20, 2011

    Mrs. Edwards has given the opposition the correct advice. They should know that there is no parliament called the “People’s Parliament”. They also know that a very large percentage of voters denounced them during the last elections. Who are they trying to fool? Is the opposition so coward that it cannot stand up and do what it is supposed to do/ The longer they remain outside the HOUSE, the longer will intelligent and real civic minded people regard them as fools. Only the same FEW, LOUDMOUTHED people will continue to follow them.

  6. Time will tell
    April 20, 2011

    Staying out of the house is a form of protest and that’s a constitutional right that the UWP is entitled to. If they feel they are shortchanged on electoral reform then they have a right to apply pressure and force the government to comply with the recommendations made by the Caribbean observer team after the last general elections. I am in total support of electoral reform. Some are dying for it in Syria, Yemen, Egypt, Libya, Morroco, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Jordan etc.. At least in Dominica it’s just a boycott of parliarment. No big deal.

  7. bigger
    April 20, 2011

    The opposition disagrees with the Red Clinic because they are virtually saying it’s giving money for doing nothing. Now ain’t they doing the same thing by collecting pay cheques for doing absolutely nothing

  8. sanjoy
    April 20, 2011

    give de opposition a break because they don’t get a chance 2 oppose

  9. sanjoy
    April 20, 2011

    de speaker don’t allow them to to say what they have 2 say, so why go to de house what they going their for all of you people dat talkin sh*t all u supportin corruption dats going on in de country.

    • MALPARDEE
      April 20, 2011

      I SECOND THAT! IS ONLY WISE PEOPLE THAT STAY OUT OF CORRUPTION.

  10. follower
    April 20, 2011

    UWP has no sense of leadership and that’s why they continue to be so unpopular at a time when we need a strong voice in the house. My theory is, the more they continue to bouycott the house of the people, the more the people will continue to bouycott them out. So keep being fools and stay out.

  11. John Brown
    April 20, 2011

    I have no problem with UWP not going to the house, they protesting right? Ok then protest, but why are they getting paid?

    If you boycotting Parliament because it is illegal why take the money? Receiving money from an illegal organisation in spite of the fact that you are not in attendance does not make you some how above it all.

    Taking money from an illegal corrupt government makes you by default illegal and corrupt to.

    • jjj
      April 20, 2011

      The government is not illegal….THE PRIME MINISTER IS ILLEGAL..

      • hyporcracy
        April 20, 2011

        John Brown, was not saying the Prime Minister is illegal. You are taking
        his comment for face value when he the writer is just tell us to look at the hyporcracy
        of the uwp.

        • John Brown
          April 20, 2011

          @ hyporcracy

          you are right, i am pointing out the obvious, the hypocracy of the UWP.

      • John Brown
        April 20, 2011

        @jjj

        If the prime minister is illegal as you say, why did Mr.John the leader of the opposition want the illegal PM to consalt with him over the appointment of the police chief? Why consalt with an illegal PM? can you answer that?

    • John Brown
      April 20, 2011

      Let me make it clear, i am no calling the PM or the government illegal, the UWP are the ones saying that. i am highlighting the hypocracy of what they are saying compared to what they are actually doing. if you know the name John Brown you can’t be Confused.

    • country gal
      April 20, 2011

      You have a point therefore I would suggest the the Opposition members should open an account and let their pay be deposited in that account so no one would be confussed.

  12. Reader
    April 20, 2011

    People Parliament to let the people’s voices be heard?! Hmmm … Are these the voices in your head, Mr. James? Last time I checked the people’s voices shouted DLP and gave them a very impressive and decisive victory. Anyway, I hope your woman never leave you because you clearly can’t handle rejection! smfh

  13. RED HOT
    April 20, 2011

    I DISAGREE WITH MISS EDWARDS, THEM BOYS HAPPY IN THEIR PARLIAMENT WHY ASK THEM TO ATTEND ANOTHER PARLIAMENT, NO MAN CAN BE IN TWO PLACES AT THE SAME TIME.. DOMINICA DONT MISS THEM

  14. 'tis true
    April 20, 2011

    “Never doubt that a small group of thoughful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

    Quote from Margaret Mead.

  15. Informant
    April 20, 2011

    Who cares if UWP stays away from parliament? They are staying away because they know they have poor representtion in parliament, not because they think the elections were unfair. So why take part in the bi-elections if u think the general elections was unfair? The UWP has no leadership they have Hector as a puppet Eddions and he follows. There staying away is non effective havent they seen it then, those three blind mice!

    • Concern Dominican
      April 20, 2011

      You need to learn to spell before you try to post your negative comments.

      • spelling does not matter it is the thought
        April 20, 2011

        The spelling does not matter it is the thought. The question is did you understand what the person is trying to say.

  16. mouth of the south
    April 20, 2011

    i honestly believe that the opposition should attend the house,,, we have proven how unbiased the speaker is,,, supporters of the gov’t knows that but may not admit it openly,,,, but i do think they should go into the house n fight,,,,

    • Anti-hate
      April 20, 2011

      u finally paid ur internet bill? lol

      haven’t been seeing u around

      • concern citizen
        April 20, 2011

        lol lol lol lol lol lol

      • mouth of the south
        April 20, 2011

        well u know how hard it is under skerro already,,,, :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

  17. One Love
    April 20, 2011

    8-O JUST WONDERING – WHAT IS HER ADVICE TO ABK AND HOW SHE RUNS THE HOUSE?

    WHAT IS HER ADVICETO THE FRENCHMAN IN THE PM’S OFFICE?

    WHAT IS HER ADVICE ON THE RED CLINIC? THE VILLAS, IPO,

    SINCE SHE IS PLAYING POLITICS WHAT ABOUT UNEMPLOYMENT? THE MOU? CORRUPTION?

    WHAT DOES SHE WANT – THE SPEAKERS CHAIR – – OR MAYBE SHE IS EYEING THE $27000000 MANSION? WHATEVER YOU WANT JUST COME OUT STRAIGHT AND ASK FOR IT

    AFTER ALL ITS WOMAN TIME… ABK WANTS BOTH TOO

    HOPE SHE NA TINK SHE CAN REPLACE SIR EDDISON CHENFIL JAMES POOPAH GAHD O BUT ME FINE NEVA KOOM AWT

    • yow-yow
      April 20, 2011

      Once she remarks on something that is contrary to what you want to hear you figure she has an ulterior motive?

  18. One Love
    April 20, 2011

    8-O AH BOY” neva want a piece of the cake – – – ABK is making a mess and besides she is not well SO NEVA WANT TO BE BACK IN THE SPEAKERS CHAIR EH?

    NEVA SHOULD ATTEND THE PEOPLES PARLIAMENT – WE LOVE IT AND IT IS GROWING BY LEAPS AND BOUNDS

    • Is that so?
      April 20, 2011

      It is IDIOTS like you who will keep UWP in opposition fora VERY LONG TIME!

  19. Work for the People
    April 20, 2011

    The UWP has been defeated so badly that it is so painful for them to conseptualized their lost.
    Because of tha,t they decided to be stubborn on every interlectual proceeding for the upliftment of the country. That shows they are not really for the citizens, but for themselves. Their ego has been hurt badly,and to them that means war. And we have seen that war for the past years. Engaging in petty politics. How do they expect to govern the country again when all the people are seeing is them trying to punish Minister Skerrit and make him look bad. But the punishment is on them. The people are fed up and loosing and have lost faith in that childish party. Give it up UWP

    • One Love
      April 20, 2011

      NOBODY can maake skerrit look bad : he is doing a GOOD JOB of making both himself and dominica look ROTTEN and TERRIBLE –

      when their turn comes again the UWP will know how to govern : Neva must not go on HEARSAY : SHE SHOULD |ATTEND the highly successful PEOPLE’S PARLIAMENT

      • Natasha J
        April 20, 2011

        One love stop being an ignoramous… Dominica is sweetttt.. Explain to me how it looks rotten and terrible… The whole world went through a resession which included massive job lost etc. People all over had to pull their socks up. Guess what while people in the US for example were trying to cut costs and rearrange their spending habits folks in dominica were living life as usual, partying, buying the latest gears and traveling.. People complain about no jobs like seriously when i lived in dominica after high school in the early 90’s labor party was not in power and there were no freaking jobs, UWP came still no jobs but people like you will say oh the gov’t not providing jobs. In dom is who u know if u don’t know someone your azzz ain’t getting ish.. The uwp willl NEVERRRRRRR get back in power with these backward childish folks so called ministers, so keep dreaming son and keep it moving…

  20. Peace and Love
    April 20, 2011

    Wanted! At least 3 handkerchieves to wipe the bleeding spots where noses used to be.

    These Parliamentarians have cut their noses to spite their faces. For more than one year, Dominica has lost the benefit of some experienced and mature minds who have been bent on proving (in their way) that the Labour Party has done wrong. I cannot condone their boycott of Parliament and agree completely with Mrs. Edwards.

    Given their ages and accumulated knowledge and experience, these MPs should chastise their supporters for asking them to stay away from Parliament. Instead, they are being led/advised by the supporters. I suppose “he who pays the piper calls the tune” and the voters are the ones who really pay – in every case.

    • One Love
      April 20, 2011

      8-O GOOD COMMENT : you see we voted them we are their masters ; if skerrit would be a servant of those who voted him dominica would not be in THE MESS IT IS TODAY

  21. Jaime Lewis
    April 19, 2011

    It is a real shame that the Opposition continues to boycott the parliament. Let us hope that they are organizing and doing some real grassroots community work to effect change. Hopefully they are developing a manifesto for the next general elections, they are seeking alternative funding for programs, developing relationships with foreign donors, and really planning for moving the country forward when they returned to power. Let’s hope they have a plan for creating employment opportunities, reducing crime and poverty, protecting the rights of women and children and other vulnerable groups in our society. If not, then this is all a big waste. In fact, it is a disgrace that they would allow the parliamentary proceedings to continue without the voice of an opposition.

  22. observing
    April 19, 2011

    I completely agree with ms. edwards!!

  23. Brain Damage
    April 19, 2011

    We sympathise with you all for the hurt you all are feeling.
    Now it would be best that you all the opposition should start afresh and attend meetings in the House of Parliament.
    IF the loud Speaker does not appreciate that, tell her she is a fool and take your books, then say good bye. Dominicans will then understand again. ok?

  24. THINKER
    April 19, 2011

    Does the UWP think that the last by-elections in Marigot and Salisbury were unfair too? It was the same voters list that was used with no i.d. cards?

    Of course, the election was a fair one. They know it.
    So they should get to the house and work there to draw the money that they are now unrighteously drawing.

    • John Brown
      April 20, 2011

      @thinker

      well said, they not going to work but they drawing the money.

  25. doctor love
    April 19, 2011

    WHAT I WOULD LIKE MISS EDWARDS TO TELL US , DID SHE BEHAVE IN THE SAME MANNER THAT THE PRESENT SPEAKER IS BEHAVING.

    • One Love
      April 20, 2011

      :mrgreen: SHE TRAINED THE PRESENT SPEAKER BOSS :mrgreen:

  26. Righteous!
    April 19, 2011

    That is an absolute disrespect to the People of Dominica and to the UWP supporters. The UWP is serving no purpose by what they call a “boycotting of Parliament”. What they are in fact doing is simply turning their backs on the People who had the confidence in them to represent them in Parliament.

    I say to these Politicians, “put your childish ways aside and behave like inteligent men and attend Parliament”. You have made your point. If you truely want to make a change, you have to get in the game. The people voted for your so that you can get in the game and play. Stop standing on the sidelines, attend Parliament because that is the only way to affect/effect change. Enough is Enough.

    One Love Dominicans.

    • John Brown
      April 20, 2011

      @ righteous!

      AMEN

      • Keeping Them Honest
        April 20, 2011

        Speak for yourself Righteous. These very boycotters were voted back into their seats during the bi-election after some months of this boycott. What does that tell you…it means that the people are in, or at least at that time, were in stern support of the shunning of the current parliament. So this attempt at misrepresentation of the facts is not shining among the brightest.
        The people who support this attempt at demonstrating lack of confidence in the parliament and the speaker, and are well aware of the disregard and disrespect emanating from those who want to make complete unilateral decisions, such as decisions made on Dominica’s relationship with China or anywhere else for that matter, are in still in complete support of demonstrating that lack of confidence. Enough is enough when decisions are made without clear manifestation to the people about what is planned, how we go about erecting that plan and how we get to accomplish a goal beneficial to Dominica. And the support is not

        • Correction
          April 20, 2011

          @keeping them honest….. Roseau Central would have been the best test because uwp won that seat by the skin of their teeth, so if Prevost had stayed out and came back and win the seat then yes i would have agreed with your point!!!

  27. belbagay
    April 19, 2011

    Hon. former speaker, pl examine the manner this speaker treats the official opposition of the people, questions are not allowed, opposition parliamentarians are muzzledin their presentation, i am a civil servant for years i have never seen political biasness as displayed by this speaker, i will also like your thoughts on this point, while your advise to the opposition is credible, one would expect you to address the environment that prevents the opposition from seating in parliament and so apply the same advise to this current speaker to create the non-partisan environment that would enable the opposition to return to the parliament of the people. Its a shame to see the conduct of this speaker never have i seen the parliament of dominica in such a mess by alix boyd knight

    • only
      April 19, 2011

      Everyone should be able to speak. See to it.

    • POLICE CANT
      April 19, 2011

      well as yourightly said “one would expect” and that one is only you. edison is getting a taste of his own medicine.

      we will never forget the word “I’M IN CHARGE, ITS OUR TIME, WE IN THE DRIVER SEAT NOW” so my brother you are only getting paid in your own coins.

      but i always say if you drawing money for no work done you are stealing.

      but again its their Concept or work.

    • civil servant too
      April 19, 2011

      I guess Mrs. EDWARDS IS MAKING her observations based on her knowledge of the rules. In her reign as speaker we had dedicated men and women who could say things and not get angry. Remember Mike Douglas (deceased) saying that Alleyne Carbon (deceased )came to parliament with a long short pants. He was not angry, just a keen sense of humour. YOU SEE UWP WAS FORMED AS A VENGEANCE PARTY TO KILL FREEDOMITES. MRS. EDWARDS IS A REAL FREEDOMITE. REAL FREEDOMITES LIKE ME CAN NEVER SUPPORT UWP. THEY ARE GREEDY AND FULL OF HATE SEE THE VENOM THAT IS SPEWED ON Q95.

      • belbagay
        April 20, 2011

        Mrs. Edwards lived in St. Croix for a while and was not in tuned as to what was happening in the parliament of dominica, if the struggle for the people cannot be fought in the parliament of the people it will have to be fought on the streets

  28. like it is
    April 19, 2011

    go back to the house and represent the people that
    vote you to office have more faith in you.
    remember rome was not built in one day.

  29. like it is
    April 19, 2011

    trus say its time for that nonsence to stop,
    they made their point
    let the court desides so go to the house and
    let the public see that u put your views in the house
    and let them turn u down, at least the people will see that you all trying

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