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The Constitution provides that a person is qualified for membership
in the Senate if he is a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago of the age
of twenty-five years or upwards. There is provision for thirty-one
Senators all appointed by the President: sixteen on the advice of
the Prime Minister; six on the advice of the Leader of the Opposition;
and nine (Independent) in the discretion of the President from outstanding
persons from economic, social or community organizations and other
major fields of endeavour.
Senators vacate office upon a dissolution of Parliament and their
appointments can be revoked by the President acting in his own discretion
with respect to the nine independent Senators or on the advice of
the Prime Minister, the leader of the Opposition, as the case may
be.
Ideally, the Senate seeks to represent and take into account the
views and interests of those elements of society which may be insufficiently
reflected in the composition of the elected House. It has been recognized
that it makes salutary contributions to parliamentary debates. Generally,
Bills can be introduced in the Senate, however, certain Bills defined
as "Money Bills" cannot be introduced in the Senate ahead
of the House of Representatives.
The presiding officer is the President
of the Senate. |
