Today April 7, 2016, the National Assembly of Belize had two school visits. The schools were St. Luke’s Methodist Primary School from Belize City and Trial Farm Government School from Orange Walk District.
The group from St. Luke’s Methodist Primary School were the first to arrive at around 9:30 A.M. The group comprised of 92 standard five students , 3 teachers and 18 parents were present at the visit, therefore the group had to be split in two. They were all greeted by Ms. Eudice Gibson in the Lobby and escorted up to the gallery were they were seated. The first presentation was done by Ms. Eudice Gibson and Ms. Ingrid Soriano, and then the second presentation was done by Ms. Mary August and Ms. Soriano.
The students were able to get a firsthand view of the Chamber of the National Assembly where the actual meetings of the House of Representatives and the Senate are conducted. Also a thorough explanation was given about the role of Parliament and the difference between the House of Representative (Lower House) and the Senate (Upper House) were given. The students also had the opportunity to see the Mace which is used in the House of Representatives as a symbol of the dignity and authority vested in the Speaker.
The visit was very interactive and interesting as the students were well attentive during the exchange of information. At the end various questions were asked by both students and teachers.
The second group that visited the National Assembly Building was Trial Farm Government School. They arrived at around 10:15 A.M. and were also escorted up to the Chamber and seated in the gallery. They were also given a brief description of the historical background of the National Assembly, the composition of the House of Representatives, the Senate, and the functions of the legislative branch of government. They also had the pleasure of seeing the Mace and were given a brief history of its historical background of the design and the significant role it plays in the sitting of the House of Representatives.
As per usual many questions were asked by both students and teachers. The presentation was done by Ms. Eudice Gibson and Ms. Ingrid Soriano.
To arrange for a tour of the National Assembly Building, visitors can call the Office of the Clerk at (501)822-2141 or send an email to ClerkNA@bna.gov.bz.