On the 8th of September 2023, the Committee on Government Assurances (COGA) organized a remarkable outreach activity at the National Assembly to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Parliament. This event aimed to educate and engage PSCE teachers (Personal, Social and Careers Education) on the role and function of the legislature, as well as the important function of COGA as a parliamentary committee.
The session began with an introduction by the Chairperson of COGA, Hon. Sylvanne Lemiel. Alongside Hon. Lemiel was the Vice-Chairperson Hon. Norbert Loizeau and committee members Hon. Wallace Cosgrow, Hon. Rocky Uranie, Hon. Philipe Monthy and Hon. Desheila Bastienne, with assistance from Committee Secretary Ms. Thelma Joseph and Assistant Committee Secretaries, Mrs. Ghislaine Thelermont and Ms. Linda Gerry. Additionally, in attendance was the Hon. Speaker Roger Mancienne, the Leader of the Opposition Hon. Sebastien Pillay, the Leader of Government Business Hon. Bernard Georges, and the Clerk of the National Assembly Mrs. Tania Isaac.
Both the Hon. Speaker and Hon. Pillay took the opportunity to address the attending teachers, expressing their gratitude for their commitment to educating the next generation and emphasizing the vital role that Parliament plays in our democracy. Their speeches shed light on the importance of engaging young minds in the legislative processes and inspiring them to become responsible and active citizens in shaping the nation's future.
During the activity, two comprehensive presentations were made. The first presentation focused on elucidating the role and function of the legislature, which provided teachers with a deeper understanding of Parliament's responsibilities including law-making, representation, and the scrutiny of the executive branch.
The second presentation centered around the function of COGA as a parliamentary committee in which participants gained insights into the process of monitoring and evaluating government policies and programs, thus enhancing their understanding of accountability within the parliamentary system. After the presentations, the participants were given the opportunity to engage in an interactive segment which allowed them to seek clarifications, share their insights, and address any pertinent concerns.
Concluding the activity was a tour of the Chamber. Here, the teachers were able to experience the historic venue where important legislative decisions are made. The 30th anniversary outreach activity was considered a success as the participating PSCE teachers gained valuable insights into the role and function of Parliament. By empowering educators with this knowledge, the event aimed to inspire them to pass on their learning to their students and contribute to cultivating an informed and actively engaged citizenry.
