The Chairperson
Mr. Joseph Christian LEOPOLD, GOSK
The Chairperson as from
05 March 2022
The Chairperson is the presiding officer of the Rodrigues Regional Assembly. Unlike other Members, the Chairperson may not necessarily be elected through the First-Past-the-Post (FPTP) or Proportional Representation (PR) system.
The Chairperson’s primary duty is to uphold the dignity of the House by ensuring proceedings are conducted in an orderly and impartial manner. He or she interprets and enforces the Standing Orders of the Assembly, often drawing on Erskine May’s Parliamentary Practice and the Westminster tradition that underpins Rodrigues’ parliamentary model. By ensuring fairness and order, the Chairperson safeguards the rights of all Members and preserves the integrity of parliamentary democracy.
SURNAME: LEOPOLD
OTHER NAMES: Joseph Christian
MARITAL STATUS: Married, One Child
Residential Address: Baie Malgache, Rodrigues
Current Position: Chairperson of the Rodrigues Regional Assembly
Educational & Vocational Skills
- • Universite de La Reunion - DEUG (Diplôme d’Études Universitaires Générales)
- • Universite de Nancy I - Licence de Biologie & Maîtrise de Biologie Végétale
- • Mauritius Institute of Education (MIE) – Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
- • Mauritius Institute of Education (MIE) – Post Graduate Diploma in Education Leadership (PGDEL)
- • Middlesex University (UK) – Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Management
The Deputy Chairperson
Mr. Justar TOLBIZE
The Deputy Chairperson as from
05 March 2022
At the beginning of every Assembly, Members elect from among themselves a Deputy Chairperson, using the same procedure as for the Chairperson. This role is central to ensuring the continuity and stability of the Assembly’s proceedings.
The Deputy Chairperson presides over sittings whenever the Chairperson is absent or delegates the responsibility. In doing so, the Deputy Chairperson assumes the full powers of the Chairperson: guiding debates, applying the Standing Orders, ruling on points of order, and ensuring that the dignity and decorum of the House are upheld at all times.
Beyond this substitute function, the Deputy Chairperson plays a vital supporting role in the institutional life of the Assembly. By being prepared at all times to step into the Chair, they guarantee that the business of the Assembly continues seamlessly, reflecting the importance of impartial leadership in a democratic institution.
The Chief Commissioner
Mr. Franceau Aubret GRANDCOURT, GOSK
The Majority Leader as from
06 March 2024
The Chief Commissioner is both the head of the Executive arm of the Rodrigues Regional Assembly and the Majority Leader within the House.
As Chief Commissioner, he leads the island’s administration, oversees the work of Commissioners, and ensures that Assembly decisions are translated into effective programmes and policies. As Leader of the House, he coordinates the legislative and political agenda of the governing party, guiding debates and maintaining cohesion among government Members. This dual role combines executive leadership with legislative coordination, ensuring that governance reflects the aspirations of the people of Rodrigues.
The Minority Leader
Mrs. Rose Marie Franchette GASPARD PIERRE LOUIS, CSK
The Minority Leader as from
05 March 2022
The Minority Leader is appointed by the President of the Republic of Mauritius from among Members who do not belong to the majority group in the Assembly.
As the principal voice of the Opposition, the Minority Leader plays a vital role in promoting accountability, offering alternative perspectives, and scrutinising the actions and policies of the Executive.
In addition to leading debates from the Opposition benches, the Minority Leader strengthens democracy by representing minority views, safeguarding transparency, and ensuring that the Assembly remains a forum for diverse voices. Through constructive challenge and oversight, the Minority Leader enhances the quality of governance and fosters balance within the parliamentary process.
The Clerk
Miss. Marie Lyndia Yannick LEGENTIL
The Clerk as from
2017
The Clerk is the chief procedural and administrative officer of the Rodrigues Regional Assembly, serving as a permanent, non-political official.
The Clerk provides expert guidance on parliamentary rules and procedures, ensures impartial support to the Chair and Members, and manages the Secretariat of the Assembly. Responsibilities include coordinating administrative and procedural services, maintaining official records, and facilitating public access to parliamentary information. By combining procedural expertise with administrative leadership, the Clerk plays a central role in upholding transparency, accountability, and the effective functioning of the Assembly.
Education & Training
- • LLM International Corporate & Financial Law, University of Wolverhampton (2008–2010)
- • Barristers Vocational Course, Mauritius Council of Legal Education (2007)
- • LLB (Hons) Law, University of Wolverhampton (2003–2006)
- • Higher School Certificate, Rodrigues College — Laureate, Rodrigues Open Scholarship (2002)
Professional Experience
Rodrigues Regional Assembly - Clerk (2017–Present) - Acting Clerk (2016–2017) - Deputy Clerk (2012–2017) - Chairperson, Anti-Corruption Committee (2012–2014) - Member, Child Mentoring Committee (2015–2022)
Previous Roles - Trainee Legal Adviser and Compliance Officer in legal and business sectors (2008–2011) - Roles in education and university services (2003–2006)
Voluntary & Social Engagement
Vicariat Apostolique de Rodrigues - Secretary, Fabrique de Saint Esprit (2023–Present)
Rotary Club of Rodrigues - President (2019–2020) - Vice President (2020–2021) - Board Director (2017–2018;2021–2022) - Secretary (2018–2019)
Papayes Village Committee - Executive Committee Member (2013–2019)
Interests & Other Involvement
• Engaged in community development and youth sensitization
• Advocate for preserving Rodriguan cultural heritage
The Mace and the Sergeant at Arms
The Mace of the Rodrigues Regional Assembly is a gift from the National Assembly, offered at the setting up of the House in October 2002. The Mace is the symbol of authority in the House and when it is not within same, no parliamentary business can be carried out.
The Sergeant-at-Arms’ main duty is to maintain order and security in the Chamber as well as regulating security and access within the precincts of the Assembly House. He has power to arrest, without warrant, upon the orders of the Chairperson, any person executing a disturbance in the Assembly precincts.
His ceremonial duty is to lead the procession at the beginning and end of each sitting of the House, bearing the Mace on his right shoulder and preceding the Chairperson whenever she is entering or leaving the Chamber.
The Secretariat
The administration of the Parliament is through a Secretariat of the Assembly, which is headed by the Clerk or the Secretary General of the Assembly. The latter provides the Chairperson and Members with secretarial assistance. Above and beyond his duties of heading the Table inside the Chamber, the Clerk is the custodian of all documents and records pertaining to the Assembly. She further has to advise the Chairperson and Members on all matters of procedure. The Clerk and/or her deputy also act as secretary to Committees of the Assembly.
The Library
The Assembly’s Library is meant for the exclusive use of Members of the Assembly. It is involved in the collection, organization and dissemination of information. The library has a variety of volumes, consisting of books, journals, newspapers, parliamentary publications, debates and legislation. Members of the Assembly also benefit from Internet facilities.
The Regional Assembly Reporters
The Regional Assembly Reporters’ role is to take down, word-for-word, what is being said in the debates. These reporters take their notes in shorthand before transcribing them. The notes are then compiled and published as the Official Reports of the Assembly, more popularly known as the Hansard. The reporters record in verbatim the proceedings in the House and take turns to sit in the Chamber for 10 minutes. The Regional Assembly reporters also take down the note for the meetings of the various committees of Parliament.
