Leave of absence was granted to Sen. Anthony Vieira, SC, who is out of the country. Ms. Zola Phillips was appointed temporary senator in his place.

Sen. the Hon. Wade Mark [President of the Senate]

Temporary Senator Zola Phillips took the oath of allegiance.

Sen. Zola Phillips [Independent Senator (Temporary) ]

The Municipal Corporations (Amendment) Bill, 2026 was brought from the House of Representatives in the name of the Minister of Rural Development and Local Government, 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]

Five papers were laid. See Order Paper.

Sen. the Hon. Dr. Kennedy Swaratsingh [Minister of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development and Minister in the Ministry of Finance]

Sen. the Hon. Satyakama Maharaj [Minister of Trade, Investment and Tourism]

One question qualified for oral answer. See Order Paper. The question was answered.

Sen. Dr. Marlene Attzs [Independent Senator]

Sen. the Hon. John Jeremie SC [Attorney General]

The Minister of Rural Development and Local Government, Hon. Khadijah Ameen, MP, moved the second reading of the Municipal Corporations (Amendment) Bill, 2026, following its passage in the House of Representatives. Debate began on the bill with three persons making contributions before the Minister of Rural Development and Local Government rose to wind up. The Bill was read a second time, then referred to a Committee of the Whole to be considered clause by clause. The bill was approved with amendments. With 23 votes for, 6 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]

Sen. Faris Al-Rawi SC [Opposition Senator]

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

Sen. Foster Cummings [Opposition Senator]

The Sitting concluded at 5:24 p.m.