Today, 14th February 2019, Valentine’s Day, with an open hearth the National Assembly welcomed the Ephesus Seventh-day Adventist Primary School for an educational tour. The group comprised of 5 7 students from standard IV, standard V and standard VI; 3 teachers; 1 school warden; and 5 parents.
The group arrived around 9:00 A.M. and were escorted up and seated in the gallery where the presentation took place. The presentation was done by Ms. Eudice Gibson, Senior Clerk Assistant, and Ms. Ingrid Soriano, Parliamentary Officer I. 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 was given. Ms. Eudice spoke about the House of Representatives (Lower House), while Ms. Soriano spoke about the Senate (Upper House). The group also had the pleasure of seeing the Mace and were given a brief history of the historical background of the design and the significant role it plays in the sitting of the House of Representatives.
At the end of the presentation, the students had the opportunity to ask questions which were all answered. As well, Ms. Gibson played a game whereby various students had the opportunity to share what they had learned. By sharing what they had learned, Ms. Gibson uses it as a way to see that the students have a clear idea of the composition of both houses, as well as ensuring that the students grasped the names of the Honourable Madam Speaker, which is the Honourable Laura Tucker-Longsworth, and the Honourable President of the Senate, the Honourable Senator Lee Mark Chang, as those are some questions that usually come in the Primary School Examination, P.S.E.
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.