Leave of absence was granted to Dr. Rai Ragbir, MP for Cumuto/Manzanilla and to Ms. Khadijah Ameen, MP for St. Augustine, from today’s Sitting of the House.

Twenty-four papers were laid. See Order Paper.

Three reports were presented. See Order Paper.

Seven questions qualified for oral answer. All questions were answered. See Order Paper.

The Miscellaneous Provisions (Senior Citizens’ Pension and Public Assistance) Bill, 2024 was introduced in the name of the Minister of Social Development and Family Services.

The House continued consideration of the Tobago Island Government Bill, 2021 clause by clause in the Committee Stage. All clauses were considered and no amendments were made. With 20 votes for, 10 votes against and no abstentions, the bill was read a third time and passed.

The House continued consideration of The Constitution (Amendment) (Tobago Self-Government) Bill, 2020 clause by clause in the Committee stage. The House agreed with amendments made during the Committee stage. The bill required a three-fourths majority. With 21 votes for, 16 votes against and no abstentions, the motion for the third reading was not approved.

The Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Keith Rowley, MP, moved a motion to approve the draft order entitled “the Elections and Boundaries Commission Order, 2024”. The Leader of the Opposition was the sole contributor to the debate. The motion was approved.

The House brought greetings to the nation on the upcoming celebration of Christmas.

The Sitting concluded at 2:08 p.m.