PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten – Last week sixth grade students from the Seventh Day Adventist Primary School in Cole Bay visited the House of Parliament.
The 27 students and two teachers were given a tour of the House of Parliament besides receiving a power-point presentation from Parliament’s Administrative Assistant Cheryl Dangleben York with respect to the role of Members of Parliament (MPs) and Ministers, and the purpose of the House of Parliament within society.
Students also get the opportunity of role playing where seven act as members of the Council of Ministers while another 15 as Members of Parliament. An issue is then selected and debated. This takes place under the President of Parliament or Vice Presidents who form the presidium of parliament.
Vice President Hon. Cornelius de Weever provided students with information and about the role of the House of Parliament. The students also sat in on the Ad Hoc Committee of Integrity meeting which was chaired by MP De Weever, receiving a first-hand view of how MPs debate an issue.
The Presidium of Parliament are of the opinion that it is important to continually engage the country’s youth in learning about the important role of the House and how it impacts the way of life of citizens with respect to the drafting of laws.
In May, two additional schools visited the House of Parliament, namely the Sister Magda Primary School, grade five with 38 students and three teachers.
The St. Dominic High School second form of 60 students and three teachers also visited the legislative body.
Schools that are interested in visiting the House of Parliament should contact the parliamentary secretariat via email: info@sxmparliament.org or call 542-0812.
PHOTO CUTLINE: Vice President of Parliament Hon. Cornelius de Weever standing in the back row with two teachers and the sixth grade students of the Seventh Day Adventist Primary School.
