Newly sworn-in Speaker of the House of Assembly, Joseph Isaac, has promised that his leadership of the Parliament will be based on true objectivity, tranparency, and balance. The former Roseau Central MP who had earlier been tipped by PM Roosevelt Skerrit for the Speaker of the House job said he is dedicated to giving his best to the service of Dominica.
After Isaac and new Deputy Speaker Philip Rolle were sworn in, several other new members of the House, including the opposition, were also sworn in and they all commenced the day’s business in earnest. “I will give my best in the service of Dominica,” Isaac promised. “I can tell you that I will give my full commitment to ensure objective, transparent and balanced debate in this honourable house.”
President Charles Savarin urged the new members of the House to discharge their duties with all faithfulness and vigour, adding that Dominica must experience a positive turn of events under their dedicated service. PM Skerrit also charged the lawmakers to work for the betterment of the country by establishing laws that will make the country to go forward.
Skerrit also said his government will work hand-in-hand with the lawmakers because “we need to start ascribing to this high office, the respect which it truly deserves in our country.” He went forward to add that “I hope that our country can grow of age and maturity to recognize the importance of the function, the role and respectability of the office and its proceedings here.”
Skerrit noted that the election of Philip Rolle as Deputy Speaker is to encourage youths in Dominica to serve their country. The prime minister observed that “his election is a very important recognition. I have absolutely no doubt that this will serve as an impetus, a motivation to the young people, not only in Dominica, but the region, of their need to come forward to serve.”
Meanwhile, former Speaker of the House, Alix Boyd-Knights, has been honored as Speaker Emeritus after serving for 18 years in that capacity. She thanked everyone for appreciating her service to the nation and said she’ll continue to be of service in any capacity if called upon.
“I’m at a lost for words,” said Speaker Emeritus Alix Boyd-Knights. “I’m very grateful to the Prime Minister, members of the parliament, and all those persons who tell me I will always be Madame Speaker. I want to thank everybody who thought so kindly of me, I highly appreciate it.”
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