Leave of absence was granted to Hon. Cherrie-Ann Crichlow-Cockburn, MP for Lopinot / Bon Air West, Dr. Surujrattan Rambachan, MP for Tabaquite and Mr. Barry Padarath, MP for Princes Town from today’s Sitting of the House.

The Speaker informed of correspondence received from the Vice-President of the Senate regarding the concurrence of the Senate in the establishment of the Joint Select Committee on the Cannabis Control Bill, 2019.

Eight papers were laid. See the Order Paper.

The Speaker informed of the return of the Parliament to the Red House, indicating that Sittings and Committee meetings will be adjourned during the relocation period of six weeks. These will resume from Monday January 20, 2020.

There were two Reports presented. See the Order Paper.

Mrs. Christine Newallo Hosein, MP made a request for leave to move the adjournment of the House on a definite matter of urgent public importance, namely the need for the Government to declare Penal/Debe and other areas affected by the recent catastrophic flooding as disaster zones and the need for Government to expeditiously implement emergency disaster relief and compensation to those affected. The Speaker was not satisfied that this matter qualified under this Standing Order.

Four urgent questions were posed.

The Leader of Government Business, Hon. Camille Robinson-Regis, MP, moved a motion that the House allow an extension of five months to the JSC on the Constitution (Amendment) (Tobago Self-Government) Bill, 2018 in order for the Committee to complete its work and submit a final report by May 27, 2020. The motion was approved.
She then moved a second motion that the house allow an extension of three months to the JSC on the Cybercrime Bill, 2017 in order for the Committee to complete its work and submit a final report by March 27, 2020. This motion was also approved.

Hon. Camille Robinson-Regis, MP, moved a motion for the appointment of six named members to the JSC on the Cannabis Control Bill, 2019. This motion was approved.

The Attorney General, Hon. Faris Al-Rawi, MP, moved the second reading of The Administration of Justice (Indictable Proceedings) (Amendment) (No. 3) Bill, 2019. Debate began on the Bill. Following the debate, the Bill was committed to a Committee of the Whole for consideration clause by clause. Amendments were made. The Bill was read a third time and passed, with amendments.

The Attorney General, Hon. Faris Al-Rawi, MP, moved a motion that the Senate amendments to the Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill, 2019 be considered. The Member for Caroni Central was the only contributor to the debate. The motion was approved.

The House considered the Senate amendments to The Miscellaneous Provisions (Law Enforcement Officers) Bill, 2019. The motion was approved.

The House brought greetings to the nation on the celebration of Christmas.
The House then celebrated the Parliament’s inaugural Telecommunications Broadcasting Industry (TBI) Award for Local Content, presented by TATT at their 15th Anniversary celebration on December 7, 2019. Congratulations were extended to the staff of Parliament’s Corporate Communications and Production Department.
The Sitting concluded at 8:36 p.m. The House adjourned to a date to be fixed.