Veteran civil servant Marjorie Smith has been appointed as the sixth speaker of the Montserrat Legislative Assembly.
Smith took her oath before Governor Sarah Tucker and parliamentarians during the opening of the first session of the 18th meeting of the assembly on 8 November.
She takes over the role from former speaker Charliena White.
In her speech, she thanked members for the “respect and privilege” of allowing her to serve as speaker, and said her faith in God compelled her to believe in the divine orchestration of the motion.
The former United Alliance election candidate said the will of the people continues to be the muscle of Montserrat’s democratic parliamentary process, as outlined in the constitution.
“The evaluation of this island’s parliament is demonstrated by the people through the general analysis of the performance of government and by the ultimate participation in the electoral process,” she said.
“Those elected to represent the people in parliament must therefore respect and understand the confidence and responsibility placed upon them.
“Every member is expected to operate with propriety and to always respect other members of this honourable house.”
Speaker’s role
Smith said the role of the speaker is to ensure that the business of parliament is conducted in an orderly manner, and that at all times, fairness to all parties represented is guaranteed.
“The age old dictum, ‘The government will have its way, but the opposition must have its say’ will be used as a guide in unity with the standing orders of this legislative assembly,” she said.
She said she will “trail in the path of many speakers” especially the late Sir Howard Fergus who was speaker from 1975 to 2001.
“He most certainly left a set of standards that all those who followed him, may be guided by. His firm, impartial nature was combined with dignity and even temper,” the speaker said.
She said she will endeavour to be a “respectful successor” of his values and provide the parliament and the wider Montserrat community with confidence that the rulings are made with balance.
Smith congratulated all of the members of the Legislative Assembly on their new positions.
Deputy speaker
Opposition member Nyota Mulcare of the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) was appointed during the morning session as deputy speaker.
In her speech she pledged to hold the government to account and advocate tirelessly for justice, equality and opportunity for everyone.
“We are at a pivotal point in our nation’s journey, and we must work in unison to foster a society where every citizen is valued and has the means to prosper,” she said.
She reminded members that they are all stewards of Montserrat’s future regardless of who voted for them or where their support may lie.
“It is incumbent upon the government to ensure that every citizen is cared for and given a free opportunity to thrive,” she said.
Mulcare urged members to make space for everyone who stood for the general election and were not successful, as well as members of the diaspora.
“Their talents, experience and love for Montserrat remains invaluable, and their involvement is vital for building a brighter future for all of us,” she said.
She thanked God, her family, the PDM party, supporters and voters, and members of the Legislative Assembly for electing her into her role as deputy speaker.
