On Friday morning 47 six graders from the St. Dominic’s Primary School along with their teachers and support staff, visited the House of Parliament at Wilhelmina Straat in Philipsburg.
The students were welcomed by the President of Parliament Hon. drs. Gracita Arrindell.
The students sat in the chairs as parliamentarians, ministers and as members of the public tribune.
Arrindell explained the group about the workings of the country’s parliamentary democracy with respect to the roles of Members of Parliament (MPs); who were the MPs and Council of Ministers. The students were also given a tour of the House of Parliament.
During the enactment of a parliamentary session, students posed a number of questions to their fellow students who were acting as Ministers.
Students asked a number of questions about crime, education, sewage, solar energy, after school activities, health care, traffic congestion, taxes, unemployment, medical centre expansion and the celebration of holidays.
One student posed a question about sports facilities and why girls cannot participate in some sports activities.
Democratic Party (DP) Faction Leader MP Hon. Roy Marlin also took part in part of the student discussion.
Concluding remarks by the President of Parliament Arrindell were that she would like to have all primary and secondary schools visit the House of Parliament allowing the youngsters to feel and live what Parliament does.