Senate president, the Hon. Katherine Smith, recently addressed senior high school teachers on the new civics curriculum being introduced in the 2018 academic year. 

Using the theme, “The History of the Senate and its role in National Development”, Senator Smith noted that she was pleased with the introduction of a new civics curriculum as many people many people do not know how the Westminster system of Government works, as was evident in the recent public debate. 

“If adults are not totally clued in, I do not expect that our children have the facts as they are as well.” 

She said what is currently being done is a good thing and if nothing else from the presentation, they should remember the importance of Parliament. As outlined in the Constitution of The Bahamas on page 34 chapter V 38, “There shall be a Parliament of The Bahamas which shall consist of Her Majesty, a Senate and a House of Assembly.” 

Senator Smith’s presentation covered the history and she explained the makeup of and the role of the Senate as well as the importance of the Senate. 

In closing, she quoted former Senator and Member of Parliament, Sir Arthur Foulkes, who has often written of the House of Assembly, one of our foremost political institutions.