Dominica's longest-serving speaker found dead at home

Alix Boyd Knights, the former speaker of Dominica’s parliament, was found dead at her home in Trafalgar on Tuesday.

A trailblazing career in parliament

Boyd Knights, who also practiced law, held the position of Speaker from 2000 to 2020.

Her record-breaking tenure reached a milestone on February 4, 2010, when she was reelected for a third term, solidifying her status as the longest-serving Speaker in the nation’s history.

Alix Boyd Knights. (Photo via Dominica News Online)

Recognized as Speaker Emeritus

In acknowledgment of her exceptional contributions to the country, Boyd Knights received the honorary title of Speaker Emeritus in February 2020.

She expressed gratitude for the honor, acknowledging both the Prime Minister and members of the government for their support.

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A legacy beyond the speaker's chair

Beyond her parliamentary role, Boyd Knights was deeply involved in issues affecting the Commonwealth and society at large.

She chaired the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarian committee and was a prolific writer on a range of critical topics.

These include legislation formation, family and land laws, women’s rights, children’s rights, and domestic violence.

A scholar and an author

A University of the West Indies alumna, she extended her influence through academic publications as well.

Notably, she penned “Women in Parliament Dominica, Past and Present,” an influential publication documenting the experiences and contributions of female parliamentarians in Dominica.