The initiative aimed to give students firsthand experience of how a court operates and to deepen their understanding of justice, legal reasoning, and the protection of human rights.
Form Five students attended the event along with their homeroom teachers, Ms. Martie and Mr. Pryce, who guided and assisted them in preparing for the moot court and developing their presentations. Island Governor Jonathan Johnson and Commissioner of Education Eviton Heyliger were also in attendance.
The event was organized by administrative judge and judge of instruction Mrs. Brenda Martinez-Hammer, who oversaw the moot court. Mrs. Martinez-Hammer also spoke to the students about her role as a judge, explaining the process of a trial, and how the principles of human rights are brought to life in a courtroom. Following the session, students had the opportunity to ask additional questions and engage in further discussion on how the procedure went.
"It was a real pleasure today to celebrate this milestone with the students, their teachers, Island Governor and Commissioner of Education on the beautiful island of Saba. The students showed excellent legal and presenting skills. By stepping into the shoes of judges, prosecutor and lawyer, the students experienced firsthand how the Human Rights come to life in a courtroom," shared Martinez-Hammer.
Island Governor Johnson commended the initiative, emphasizing the importance of fundamental skills such as reading which help build a strong foundation for students. “This has been an invaluable exercise, and we thank the Court for this meaningful and educational opportunity for our students,” said Governor Johnson.
