Speaker of the House, Valerie Woods, Announces Breast Cancer Diagnosis  

Today, Speaker of the House Valerie Woods shared some shocking news: she has been diagnosed with breast cancer. She broke the news to her parliamentary colleagues just before the day’s session ended. To make matters even more heartbreaking, she made the announcement on her birthday. Despite this, she assured everyone that she plans to continue her role as Speaker, a position she’s held since 2020, although her treatment might affect her attendance. Here’s what she had to say.

 

Valerie Woods, Speaker of the House

“Members before I put the question to adjourn, I feel obliged to inform members that my presiding over the meetings of this house for the remainder of the parliamentary session may be affected in the coming weeks due to my recent diagnoses of breast cancer. Now while I fully intend to discharge my duties, I hope you can understand that I may have to be absent as I undergo treatment. So it goes. So, thank you for your understanding. And with that, I put to question. All those in favor, kindly say I…those against, kindly say no…I think the I’s have it.”