Leave of absence was granted to Mr. David Thomas, MP for Tobago East, from today’s Sitting of the House.

Hon. Jagdeo Singh [Speaker of the House]

Three papers were laid. See Order Paper.

Hon. Davendranath Tancoo, MP [Minister of Finance and Minister in the Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development]

One urgent question was posed and answered. See Order Paper.

Hon. Barry Padarath, MP [Minister of Public Utilities and Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister]

Mr. Marvin Gonzales, MP [Opposition Member]

The Municipal Corporations (Amendment) Bill, 2026 was introduced in the name of the Minister of Rural Development and Local Government, Hon. Khadijah Ameen, MP, who moved that the next stage of the bill be taken later in the proceedings. The motion was approved.

Hon. Khadijah Ameen, MP [Minister of Rural Development and Local Government]

The Minister of Rural Development and Local Government, Hon. Khadijah Ameen, MP, moved the second reading of the Municipal Corporations (Amendment) Bill, 2026. Debate began on the bill. Ten members contributed to the debate before the wind up by the Hon. Khadijah Ameen, MP. The bill was committed to the Committee of the Whole for consideration clause by clause. The bill was approved with amendments. With 27 votes for, 11 votes against and no abstentions, the bill was read a third time and passed.

Hon. Khadijah Ameen, MP [Minister of Rural Development and Local Government]

Mr. Colm Imbert, MP [Opposition Member]

Hon. Saddam Hosein, MP [Minister of Land and Legal Affairs and Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries]

Mr. Kareem Marcelle, MP [Opposition Member]

Mr. Joel Sampson, MP [Member]

Mr. Stuart Young SC, MP [Opposition Member]

Hon. Jearlean John, MP [Minister of Works and Infrastructure]

Mr. Brian Manning, MP [Opposition Member]

Hon. Vandana Mohit, MP [Minister of the People, Social Development and Family Services]

Hon. Pennelope Beckles-Robinson, MP [Leader of the Opposition]

Hon. Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC, MP [Prime Minister]

The Sitting concluded at 9:35 p.m.