NASSAU, The Bahamas – Teachers representing public schools across the archipelago got a lesson in Civics from Speaker of the House of Assembly and MP for Nassau Village, the Hon. Halson Moultrie, Thursday.

The visit was in keeping with Summer Professional Development Workshops for Senior High School Social Science teachers put on by the Ministry of Education (MOE).

“We have looked at our curriculum documents and we want teachers, students and stakeholders to appreciate the workings of the Parliament.

We were asked to come here not only by the Speaker, but teachers have asked to hear from him,” said Perlene Baker, Curriculum Officer in the MOE.

The teachers represented government and private primary and high schools in New Providence, Andros, Grand Bahama and Inagua.

Parliament will commemorate its 290th anniversary on September 29th, 2019.  Mrs. Baker said it is anticipated that teachers and students will visit the Lower House in September to mark this significant anniversary.

The Speaker addressed the topic, ‘The Role of Parliament in National Development,’ and touched on the three arms of government -- legislative, executive and judiciary within his presentation to the teachers.

Additionally, the Speaker said as the forth arm of government the media has an important role in democracy and national development.

David Forbes, House Clerk, presented a detailed overview of the legislative process of Parliament. He said, “The Constitution says our responsibility is to make laws for peace, order and good governance in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.”

Deputy Speaker, the Hon. Donald Saunders, MP for Tall Pines, gave a summary of his responsibilities. He said it is a “privilege” to serve the people of The Bahamas.

A question and answer period followed the presentations.