House Speaker Alix Boyd-Knights looking forward to a new beginning for Parliamentarians in 2018

House of Assembly Speaker Alix Boyd-Knights is hoping that 2018 will be a period for new beginnings, especially in Parliament where members continue to strive to learn the rules of the House.
 
She stated on state-owned DBS Radio, “Every year I like to think of a New Year being a period for new beginnings, that is to say, we can start afresh on anything. At the House of Assembly in particular, we can bring the new beginnings to a new dispensation, where all members of the House can strive to learn the rules, and understand them to the extent that, when I make a ruling, it is not just a question of reading a rule.”
 
She pointed out that Standing Orders in the House are not one specific ruling all by itself.“Rules are interwoven, so you just don’t look at one rule and conclude that’s it. There is probably another rule telling you to do something as well.”
 
Boyd-Knights said it behooves members of the House to read and understand the rules, and seek from their attorney if they need it. She added that furthermore, her office is always open to members who have questions. She also stated that she looks forward to 2018 as hopefully being a year of growth in Dominica.
 
She added, “I am really hopeful. I haven’t seen anything to tell me specifically that Hurricane Maria has put people on notice that they must behave differently, but I guess I am taking it in stride, and I am saying that people are still in shock, but I am really hoping to see a difference in the people’s attitude.”