PHILIPSBURG:--- President of Parliament Hon. Gracita Arrindell last Thursday met with the President of the Dutch First Chamber of Parliament Hon. A. Broekers-Knol at her office in The Hague, the Netherlands.
President Arrindell and Chairlady Hon. Broekers-Knol discussed a number of issues related to developments on Sint Maarten as well as about the process that will take place on Tuesday, 3rd December in a meeting of the Dutch Parliament with respect to the appointment of Her Majesty Queen Maxima as Regent.
President Arrindell added that other issues were also discussed. It was also an introductory meeting between the two chairladies and Arrindell described the meeting as very pleasant and extended a meeting to her to visit Sint Maarten.
The First Chamber of the Dutch Parliament also referred to as the Senate has 75 members who are elected by the members of the twelve Provincial Councils. These elections are indirect where the voters elect the members of the Provincial Councils, who in turn elect the members of the Senate.
The Senate's main duties are in the legislative field, but it also plays a role in scrutinizing the actions of the Government. Formally the Senate can only reject or accept legislation.
Broekers-Knol has been Chairlady of the First Chamber since 2nd July 2013. From 2nd October 2001, the Chairlady has been a member of the First Chamber representing the Liberal Faction VVD.
Prior to that Broekers-Knol was director of the section Moot Court of the Judicial Faculty of the University of Leiden; a member of the Municipal Council of Bloemendaal; and was Chairlady of the Permanent Committee for Safety and Justice.