The President granted leave of absence to Sen. Annette Nicholson Alfred. Mrs. Parvatee Anmolsingh-Mahabir was appointed to temporarily replace Sen. Nicholson Alfred.

The Minister of Trade and Industry and Minister in the Ministry of Finance laid five papers. See the Supplemental Order Paper for details.

Three Questions qualify for oral answer. One Question (26) was answered. See the Order Paper for details.

Seven Questions qualify for written answer. See the Order Paper and Supplemental Order Paper for details.

Debate resumed (from March 10, 2009) on a Private Motion moved by Sen. Prof. Ramesh Deosaran on election campaign financing. The Minister of Planning, Housing and the Environment was the first to contribute, followed by Sen. Basharat Ali and Sen. Helen Drayton. Five members made interventions before Sen. Prof. Deosaran rose to conclude the debate. 14 members voted for, and there were 14 abstentions.

Sen. Dr. Adesh Nanan then moved a Private Motion asking the House to ensure that the sewerage function of the Water and Sewerage Authority remain entirely and solely the responsibility of the Authority. Following Sen. Nanan’s contribution, debate on the Motion was suspended.

There were two matters raised on the Motion for the Adjournment of the Senate. Senator Wade Mark raised the issue of “the status of police investigations into the LABIDCO matter”. The Minister of National Security responded.

Sen. Dr. Adesh Nanan then raised the issue of “The failure of the Government to put measures in place to utilize renewable energy resources to reduce Carbon Dioxide emissions in accordance with the 1997 Kyoto protocol.”. The Minister of Planning, Housing and the Environment responded.

At its next sitting the Senate will consider legislation in the order listed on the Order Paper.