Speaker Knights speaks on Thomson Fontaine dismissal

Boyd-Knights addressed Fontaine’s removal as senator at Monday’s sitting of the House

Speaker of the House of Assembly, Alix Boyd-Knights, has explained how United Workers Party (UWP) member, Dr. Thomson Fontaine, lost his position as a senator.

She told Parliament on Monday that Fontaine was absent from the House without leave for the sittings of the 20th of September, 1st of October and 12th of December.

She said that he wrote three letters simply informing the Clerk that he would not be there.

“If you write somebody and tell them ‘I am not coming’, I don’t think that you are even asking to be considered to be asking for leave. You are simply informing the Clerk that you will not be there,” she stated.

According to Boyd-Knights, as members should know, the question of leave not to be in the house, requesting leave or permission is addressed in standing order 15: 1 and 2.

“It’s a two-part provision,” she stated. “Standing Order 15:1 says any member who is unable to attend the meeting of the House to which he has been summoned, shall acquaint the Clerk as early as possible of his inability to attend.”

She continued, “Then 15:2 says if without leave or order of the Speaker previously obtained, any member is absent from three (3) consecutive meetings of the House to which he has been separately summoned during the same session such member shall vacate his seat.”

Boyd-Knights went on to say that every member according to the standing orders must give the Clerk an address and, “we take E-Mail addresses as well, as to where he can be served any documents coming from Parliament.”

 She pointed out that if a member needs to put something on the order paper it must be written 14 days before, ” such as questions…and that the notice of a meeting according to the standing orders has to go out 12 days before.”

She explained that under her watch there have been only two occasions in the last 18 years where the requirement of sending the notices 12 days before has not been appealed..

“That was year before last when this house sought to extend the State of Emergency,” she noted. “I think we sent it 3 days before and recently, in the case where the President was being re-elected we sent it 2 days before.”

Boyd- Knights advised that persons must understand how the rules are represented to them.

“The other thing is that as far as our records show for the last four meetings of the House at least, we received no letter from the member,” she remarked.

Fontaine was replaced by UWP candidate for the Roseau Valley Constituency, attorney, Ronald Charles, who was officially sworn in on Monady.

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32 Comments

  1. January 22, 2019

    Madame “Ole Speaker” let me remind you and the rest of the DLP “Cabinot” that we all have a appointment with our maker; the high horse that you are riding is one of these days going to throw your a——-s to the ground. You are not the first speaker and certainly will not be the last; but the title of being the “WORST” will be bestowed up on you, so like your badge of honor “IGNORANCE” wear it with pride.

  2. Man bites dogs
    January 22, 2019

    Let the blue dogs bark as soon as we say boo they all would be up and barking because they are very violent and angry tribalism animals :twisted: :oops:

  3. dd1
    January 22, 2019

    Madame keep it moving cause Fontaine not studying you and Skeritt!!

  4. viewsexpressed
    January 22, 2019

    Speaker Boyd’s Knight, I am really fed up with your unsavoury speeches which does not come out as an intellectual, but some one engaged in beff and more political beff. It is as if you are happy to gain points because of the chair you hold. Beff and speech are two different things and your demeanour that I have seen over the years comes across to me as someone who does not talk representing the House and the position that you hold. You are despicable and your tone of voce and demeanour comes across as beff and getting at the disciplined UWP member. You are there to represent us and Domininca and not that failed Odd Minister whom you should be coaching all along to conduct himself as this role model for our people. Well, Skerrit has not reached that level yet and we want Skerrit out and you should follow him also. Let us get un-biased and credible people with their heart in political decency and represents our ailing island. We want change, & demand change and when Skerrit goes, you…

  5. carltymas
    January 22, 2019

    Is it truly a matter a calling for a fight and name calling? It is a simple-to-understand situation and the speaker explained it well. I would not see any of us paying a landlord who we no longer rent from much less consider the person as our current landlord. It is the same situation. The UWP has made the necessary replacement and moved on. You come on here and see ghastly comments about the Prime Minister’s Wife and the Speaker of the house. I do not understand why the moderators allow such hateful comments which include name-calling and wrongful accusation. Disclaimer advises against comments which “violate or infringe the rights of any person, are defamatory or harassing or include personal attacks are abusive, profane or offensive, promote hatred of any kind”. Let us keep the debates clean.

  6. foreign observer
    January 22, 2019

    “If you write somebody and tell them ‘I am not coming’, I don’t think that you are even asking to be considered to be asking for leave. You are simply informing the Clerk that you will not be there,” she stated.”

    Perhaps the correspondence should be released publicly? Then the good people of Dominica can judge for themselves whether Dr. Fontaine was making a statement or following correct parliamentary procedure in requesting to be excused?

    While Dr. Fontaine’s correspondence is being released, shouldn’t that concerning the absence of Mr. Stephenson from his parliamentary duties also be made public?

  7. zandoli
    January 22, 2019

    As I said before, it should never have come to that. The moment Thompson accepted that position in Sudan, he should have submitted his resignation. I don’t understand people who try to “earn” a salary without doing the work. In that case he definitely did not earn that money.

    To be honest I expected better from Thompson. I always regarded him as a man of principle. You cannot allow your reputation to be dragged into the mud over a few pennies or any amount of money for that matter.

    • Pipo
      January 22, 2019

      Oh holier than. thou. In that case why is the M.P. For Grandfond still drawing salary and having his position not bein able to perform after all this time. I not blaming him for being ill but he can not perform brother, be real.

      • Zandoli
        January 22, 2019

        You are free to say what you want, but you will not see me cheat my way through life. That is how I operate. If you describe that as holier than though, that’s on you.

  8. The Evangelist!
    January 22, 2019

    Madam speaker, please take a look at this passage from Romans: 8:28
    28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God.” Here is another one you and Skerrit should reflect on Genesis 50:20 “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people” NLV. So we really don’t need your explanation because we know why already. You, Skerrit and the corrupt gang planned these meetings when you knew Dr. Fontaine would be out of state so you could get rid of him. What you didn’t see is that it would open the door for Ronald Charles not only to become the senator but to win the Roseau Valley seat. I feel the Superpower blinded you all so you couldn’t see the bigger picture. So Grandfond is already gone no matter who going up for UWP and now you all put Ronald Charles in a better position to get rid of the unwanted, dishonorable and corrupt McIntyre.

  9. Dirty %
    January 22, 2019

    Why do you think % it is Okay to drag Mellisa in your garbage. LL I think you are now drunk drinking WATER from the latrine! Are you for real? Is that the person who wants to lead a nation? Why would you hide behind a symbol to belittle your opponent WIFE Shameless Political Hoe.

    • January 22, 2019

      Dirty% to you I say what good for the gender is good for the goose, Mellisa is no saint, time will tell, too much double standard on this piece of rock Dominica, I would like you to tell me where in the world do you see a head of state wife exposing he …, being vulgar in public, even Skerrit being vulgar in a vulbar position with his wife during canival, children had to turn their faces in disbelief, when the rotten eggs start to stink up the place exposing those who think that they are saints and Disciple, hope poeple like you will not put a bullet to your head, too much double standard, countin singing for you supper little Tommy Talker

      • Auntie Jane
        January 22, 2019

        Jane grow up shameless Blue Vex People. I bet you left U Dagg home?? Lady you got it Flunt it. You got A MAMA right? That’s the mentality of pedophilla.

    • %
      January 22, 2019

      Your level of ignorance is frightening. To represent people is an honour,not garbage or latrine.Is that what the DLP MISLEADERS have turned representation to? Garbage and Latrine?
      Your petulant little child!You are seeing patriot Linton in your corrupted mind!!!!
      Skerrit Must Go
      Skerrit Must Go
      LAZY Skerrit Must Go Now
      Will

    • viewsexpressed
      January 22, 2019

      Because that is where she and her people are in Dominica, along wi the speaker of the house. they don’t care about Domininca, but have political clowns like you talking BS, while they live nice in comfortable settings and you out there rant and raving on their behalf. What on earth are you looking for and really, who do you represent,, Skerrit and his clowns including that “M”, or that Ole Speaker, or would you rather campaign for a decent , clean, Dominica?
      Skerrit, The ole Speaker Boyd and the others must Go. They have all failed us. Get out Odd Minster Skerrit, Go away, go to China, take a long trip and leave with us Decent Hon. Linton and his professional Team to clean up Domininca from their devious political stained and garbage over the past 18 years. Skerrit must Go. Boyd Knight must Go and the whole 18 failed ministers clowns must Go. Get Out. outside.

  10. Neal
    January 22, 2019

    Alix, Thomson is in a much better place professionally than being in your infant school that you run on Victoria street with your favorite pet politicians. Thomson will be back making contributions to his home when you leave– in time—Life is a journey Alix not a destination. Have a nice day Alix.

  11. Neville
    January 22, 2019

    Lady you would do well if you kept quiet and amend your ways. The Skerrit regime is about to end and I wonder where that is going to leave you?? I trust you are not planning to spend your remaining days in Dominica because I don’t think there is any space here in the future for any Skerrit disciples. All you have done to much damage to this country to be forgiven!

    • DC
      January 22, 2019

      Such a startling revelation! Are you kidding me? More reasons to keep UWP out of Office. I am a staunch supporter of the DLP, and no one, I repeat, no one will run me out of my Land. May I remind you that we are the majority. Please think before typing. You are doing more harm than good.

      • Neal
        January 22, 2019

        @ DC. Only a fool breaks his/her own heart- or is it just stupidity which is a terminal illness with no cure DC? Either way, any one of them will do for you.

      • Neville
        January 22, 2019

        DC, just watch this space! In essence it depends on the level of involvement. Just examine yourself, if you’ve done nothing wrong you’ve got nothing to fear! Having said that the likes of you and some of your political friends that appear on here on a regular basis and attempt to defend the indefensible no doubt don’t do it only for the love to Skerrit or the DLP. I suggest your involvement might not stop there! After Skerrit this country need people again that are happy to work hard for a fair share of the cake. Judging from your comments you are exactly the opposite. Maybe now is the time to decide what’s best for you and where you want to hang your hat. One thing is for sure, you guys are not allowed to have it both ways under a new government…

  12. Ibo France
    January 22, 2019

    The Speaker of parliament should be unbiased. That person should also be honest. Mrs. Knights is neither neutral nor possesses any moral scruples. The lady gives free reign to the Ministers of government to assassinate the character of members of the parliamentary opposition, nurses and critics of the government. The said lady often disrupts and chides the opposition members when they speak truth to power. Her admonition and interventions in parliamentary debates are always tainted with political bias and acrimony. I have lost all confidence in this Speaker to bring decorum and honor to this once august body. In his quest to grab on to power, Skerrit has polluted and corrupted all the key institutions of government by putting malleable political appointees in these positions.. It’s no wonder the public service is so dysfunctional. The offices of the President, the Speaker of Parliament, Police Chief, Electoral Commissioner, etcetera, are politically contaminated. Change is needed.

  13. Creation Rebel
    January 22, 2019

    Alex your statements are conflicting first you said “Standing Order 15:1 says any member who is unable to attend the meeting of the House to which he has been summoned, shall acquaint the Clerk as early as possible of his inability to attend.” Before that you said he wrote three letters simply informing the Clerk that he would not be there.“If you write somebody and tell them ‘I am not coming’, I don’t think that you are even asking to be considered to be asking for leave. You are simply informing the Clerk that you will not be there,” she stated. You don’t think noted the word think if you are writing to inform the clerk you are not able to attend that you asking to to be considered for leave. But didn’t the standing order state the you shall acquaint the clerk as early as possible of your inability to attend…

  14. %
    January 22, 2019

    Because of the way you have behaved as speaker of the house, i don’t think you even had to give level headed Dominicans that have seen you execute your duties an explanation. If only you could send all the opposition members packing, you would do so with alacrity. Thanks God the end of the wicked, despotic regime that you serve is coming to an end. I wonder how you will remember your tenure as speaker! Remember the evil that men do on earth lingers with them! It torments them! ..
    I once heard that “””age brings reason”””.. Unfortunately this was not the case with you “age brought evil”.
    Once again, i congrstate Senator Ronald Charles..One good man replaced by another good man .
    DLP is helping the opposition in so many ways!!!!?
    Guess wickedness has indeed blinded them!!
    Skerrit Must Go
    Skerrit Must Go
    LAZY Skerrit Must Go t

    • 💕 U 💕
      January 22, 2019

      Cry cry 😢 Baby %. Historians will judge you as an incompetent Opposition Lleader. I personally will judge Ms. Speaker as an intelligent, competent, no nonsense person. I admire your abilities to have the confidence that you will win the nest general elections. Thanks DLP for your reconstruction contribution.

      • %
        January 22, 2019

        Why are you referring to me as Opposition Leader? Stop being a block headed …. who can’t learn. I am just an ordinary Dominican who is fed up with the state of governance of this country by a corrupted gang of DLP MISLEADERS. I have said that ad nauseum on this medium.Your ignorance is frightening! You just can’t learn,!Oh my!
        Skerrit Must Go
        Skerrit Must Go
        LAZY Skerrit Must Go Now

      • Ibo France
        January 22, 2019

        Only a blind supporter of the DLP and a parasitic frequent attendee of the Red Clinic would consider the present Speaker of Parliament in a favorable light. The woman is there at the behest of the PM and his worm-like (no backbone) apostles. This uncouth, ill-mannered individual allows her idol(Skerrit) and his worshippers to reduce parliament to rum shop. This lady is possibly the most impolite and inept Speaker in the history of parliamentary democracy in Dominica. To consider the lady intelligent and competent is synonymous with calling Satan a saint. It’s unadulterated garbage.

      • Ibo France
        January 22, 2019

        %, have you ever seen somebody stoned an empty mango tree? Bringing pertinent political issues to the fore doesn’t make you an enemy of the STATE. It doesn’t render you unpatriotic. What you are doing is shedding light on darkness in government which is something good. The truth is the enemy of liars. Sweeping the country’s sordid affairs under the proverbial rug does nothing good for the country. Darkness cannot be driven out by darkness only light can do that. You give them truth and they think it is hell. Continue to speak truth to power despite the vicious personal attacks on you by parasites looking for a meal.

  15. Laplaine Observer
    January 22, 2019

    MADAM SPEAKER. Thompson is in a much better position than you will ever be in. He can take his credentials anywhere in the world while you are stuck as Skeritt’s puppet. You and rest of the cabal days are numbered.

    • me
      January 22, 2019

      and there’s all kinds of evidence of what you’ve done on the internet, Madam Speaker.. not going to help you AT ALL, AT ALL!

  16. Me
    January 22, 2019

    Excuses, excuses Boydie.. brace yourself as karma doesn’t sleep.. and it gets us all in the end… your turn is coming…

  17. Anonymous
    January 22, 2019

    You can twist it any way you want dear lady. What is done is done and you have to account for your actions or non-actions to your maker, like all of us. Provided Dr. Fontaine does not have a conviction, he can still stand for parliament. God is your judge.

  18. jamie
    January 22, 2019

    Lady your pure evil,under the Skerrit regime,and you all will fall in due time.God is in control.THE EVIL EMPIRE.

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