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The Chairperson​​​​​
Chairperson

Mr. Joseph Christian LEOPOLD,
GOSK
​ Elected The Chairperson as from
05 March 2022

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The Chairperson of the Regional Assembly

The Chairperson of the Rodrigues Regional Assembly is the presiding officer of the House. Unlike other Members, the Chairperson is not necessarily elected through the First-Past-the-Post (FPTP) or Proportional Representation (PR) system. Since its establishment, the Assembly has been led by four Chairpersons, each of whom was an unelected Member.

Once chosen to preside over the Assembly, the Chairperson’s foremost duty is to uphold the dignity and integrity of the House. Although political factors may influence the appointment, the Chairperson must rise above party politics. Impartiality, fairness, and respect for all Members are essential qualities of the role.

Roles of the Chairperson

The role of Chairperson reflects the Assembly’s parliamentary traditions, rooted in the United Kingdom’s Westminster system and inspired by institutions such as the Tobago House of Assembly. By combining impartial leadership with respect for parliamentary rules, the Chairperson ensures that the Assembly remains a trusted space for open debate and democratic decision-making in Rodrigues.

Name Took Office Left Office
Mr. Joseph Chenlye LAMVOHEE, CSK​ 12 October 2002 23 October 2006
Mr. Joseph Chenlye LAMVOHEE, CSK​ 16 December 2006 15 December 2011
Mr. Soopramanien SOOPRAYEN, GOSK​ 11 February 2012 05 January 2017
Mrs. Marie Pricie Anjela SPEVILLE​ 18 February 2017 2022

Responsibilities of the Chairperson

The Chairperson’s responsibilities include:

  • Ensuring that debates and decisions are conducted in accordance with the Standing Orders and Rules of the Assembly;
  • Interpreting and enforcing those rules fairly, often guided by Erskine May’s Parliamentary Practice, a key reference in Westminster-style parliaments;
  • Safeguarding the order, decorum, and smooth conduct of proceedings so that every Member’s voice can be heard in a structured way.

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