Sixth Form students take over Parliament

At the sitting a motion calling for the establishment and implementation of a national media policy will be debated.

The motion will be piloted by ‘‘Minister of Public Administration and Information,’’ Kieron Samaroo of Queen’s Royal College.

While ‘‘Opposition Chief Whip’’ Leah Thompson, of St Joseph Convent, St Joseph will lead off the Opposition’s response. In the Speaker’s Chair, keeping order in the ‘‘House’’ would be ‘‘Speaker’’ Christopher Chase of Holy Cross College and he would be ably assisted by ‘‘Clerk of the House’’ Stacy-Ann Beejai of Marabella Senior Comprehensive School. In all, 44 Sixth Form students will occupy all the parliamentary positions and duties including Marshal of the Parliament, Ministers, Opposition Members, Government MPs, Clerk of the House and Parliamentary Attendant.

The motion to be debated reads as follows, "Whereas in recent times there has been a proliferation in the number of local and electronic media agencies; and whereas there is a need for accurate information and coverage of developments and events; and whereas no official policy currently exists for the general guidance of media practitioners and agencies; and whereas, short of prosecution for libel there exists no mechanism for redress where citizens are aggrieved; Be it resolved that this House agrees that the Government take steps, in collaboration with the Opposition to establish and implement a national policy governing the general operation of media practitioners and agencies in Trinidad and Tobago."

The debate is expected to last about three hours.

After the debate, the students will be hosted by Her Excellency Dr Linda Baboolal, Acting President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, at the President’s House.