On Monday morning 35+ fourth, fifth and sixth graders from the Sister Marie Laurence Primary School in Middle Region, 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 occupied the chairs of parliamentarians, ministers and as members of the public tribune.
Arrindell explained the students 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, and the current change in government that was taking place on Monday morning with the swearing in of new Ministers.
During the enactment of a parliamentary session, students posed a number of questions to their fellow students who were acting as Ministers.
The President of Parliament had to leave to attend the swearing-in/oath-taking ceremony at the Governor’s cabinet, and the presentation was then continued by Secretary General of Parliament J. Semeleer.
Prior to her departure, President Arrindell shook the hands of all students and teaching staff present, and told them to stay in school and study hard in order to make a positive contribution to their country.
Semeleer addressed the different committees that exist including the Kingdom inter-parliamentary meetings, the opening of the parliamentary year in September as well as his role as Secretary General.
The students at the end of the presentation were also given a tour of the House of Parliament.
Independent Member of Parliament Hon. Frans Richardson also sat in for part of the presentation.