On Wednesday morning 17 six graders from the Dr. Martin Luther King primary school along with their teachers, visited the House of Parliament at Wilhelmina Straat in Philipsburg.
The students were welcomed by the President of Parliament Hon. drs. Gracita Arrindell and 2nd Vice President of Parliament Member of Parliament (MP) Hon. Patrick Illidge, who is a former student of the aforementioned school.
The students were enthused and impressed with what they saw and learnt during their one-hour visit.
Arrindell explained about the workings of the country’s parliamentary democracy with respect to the roles of MPs; how parliamentarians should be addressed with respect to protocol; and the difference between the Executive and Legislative branches of Government.
During the one-hour visit, President Arrindell and Vice President Illidge were very impressed with the dialogue that took place between the students and themselves, Arrindell pointing out that the students were very determined and encouraged them to stay focussed on getting their basic education.
One of the questions posed was, what they would like to become in life. Some of the professions brought forward were, teacher, speech therapist, baseball player, doctor, pilot, football player, fireman, artist, soccer player, computer technician, lawyer, softball player and detective.
Vice President MP Hon. Patrick Illidge concluding remarks were how important it was for students to remain in school and making their parents proud, because they work hard in making sure that they get an education.
Illidge also stressed the importance of listening to your teacher and not to follow persons who could lead them astray.
Concluding remarks by the President of Parliament Arrindell was about how fundamental reading was and to read a lot, and that everything starts by staying in school.
Arrindell was then presented with a Certificate of Appreciation by the students while Office Manager Dorothy Lake was presented with a token of appreciation.
Also present during the visit were MPs United Peoples (UP) Party Faction Leader Hon. Romaine Laville and Independent MP Hon. Frans Richardson.
This is the first school visit for 2012 which was started by the President of Parliament in early 2011.