Miss Teresina Bodkin was elected Montserrat’s first female Speaker to the 15th Parliament of the Legislature on April 6th, 2010. She sat in the Montserrat Legislative Assembly from 2010 to 2014, as well as from December 2019 to December 2020.
Her first speech to the 15th Parliament is presented as a tribute to her passing.
Let her soul rest in eternal peace.
The Honourable Madam Speaker said:
Honourable Members of this legislative chamber, thank you for the honour and the privilege that you have conferred. I accept your challenge in the spirit of non-partisanship, and I look forward to working with you as you continue to strive for the realization of the highest ideals of the people of Montserrat.
This appointment has forced me to contemplate a very large and, indeed, a very distinguished shadow. That shadow belongs to a respected Montserratian who has set a world-class standard for all who will aspire to the Speakership. Sir Howard has been able to very successfully combine his remarkable intellect and considerable ability with the proper infusion of wisdom, firmness, impartiality, dignity, respect, tact, even-temperedness, and humour—all essential human qualities to be cultivated if one is to develop an effective Speakership. Those key job requirements are not my own. They were lifted from an article in the Canadian Parliamentary Review written by one Michel Bissonnet, a Canadian Parliamentarian of some 32 years. Mr. Bissonnet went on to say that the post requires extensive on-the-job training. I am taking that to mean that, like a newly licensed driver, the true test will come when I face the road ahead alone.
There was merit in the madness, as perceived by some, which allowed me the time and the space to observe Sir Howard at work and to draw on the richness of his experience. Quite apart from it being an honour and a privilege, it has allowed me to come to terms with the implications and responsibilities that go along with holding such an office. Sir Howard, thank you. Honourable Members understand this: I have no intention of departing from that tradition of distinction.
Many will make much of the fact that I am female, and indeed, I take a great deal of pride in the knowledge that this appointment will go down in the annals of Montserrat’s history as a significant plank in the bridge to equal access. My personal wish, however, is that young Montserratians, regardless of gender or socio-economic upbringing, can look at this person in this esteemed office and be confident that they too can effectively command this space.
Like many of my contemporaries, I was raised by my immediate family and all of their friends and neighbours who lived in Water Lane and on George Street, where I grew up. I am so pleased, so proud, and so happy that two of those very special people are here today. I refer to Teacher Sarah Farrell, my tantie and her brother, Major Theodore Bramble, godfather. I acknowledge also the supportive and very comforting presence of cherished, life-long friends. All of these people have, in one way or another, helped shape my approach to life’s challenges in a very positive way.
Honourable Members, it is the role of Speaker to ensure that the business of this parliament is conducted in an orderly manner which is fair to all. I shall endeavour to be a worthy successor in that tradition. May God bless the work of this House, and may God bless Montserrat. For all of Montserrat’s people, this House is now in order.
