Students of the sixth grade of Sister Regina Primary School in Simpson Bay Friday had the opportunity to "grill" Minister of Education, Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs, Dr. Rhoda Arrindell about the workings of her ministry in particular and of government in general.
The group of about 20 students, accompanied by their group teacher, Cindy Havinga, were working on what the teacher described as "a big project about all the education in Sint Maarten." The field trip to the Minister’s office was intended to allow the students "see all the work done behind the scenes of the educational system in Sint Maarten."
Dr. Arrindell was thrilled to welcome the students, who she described as very eager to learn. "They asked very interesting questions about how the Ministry functions, and how decisions are taken," the Minister said.
Dr. Arrindell fielded their questions as the students took written notes, and gave them a tour of the offices of her colleagues in the Council of Ministers, housed in the Government Administration Building.
"They wanted to know not only how government works, but also how Parliament functions, and who is in charge of what portfolios," the Minister disclosed. She said some of them were "pretty well-informed" and asked several probing questions.
"I had a really good time with them. They took me back on memory lane as a former teacher myself. I am proud of their intelligence and how well-mannered they all were," Dr. Arrindell said.