Leave of absence was granted to Hon. Shamfa Cudjoe, MP for Tobago West, for Sittings of the House during the period January 21 – February 4, 2023 and to Ms. Khadijah Ameen, MP for St. Augustine from today’s Sitting of the House.

Twenty-two papers were laid. See Order Paper.

One report was presented.

One urgent question was posed and answered.

Eleven questions qualified for oral answer. All questions were answered.

The Minister of Finance, Hon. Colm Imbert, MP, made a statement regarding the Annual Report of the Financial Intelligence Unit for the year ended September 30, 2022.

The Finance (Supplementary Appropriation) (Financial Year 2022) Bill, 2023 was presented in the name of the Minister of Finance, who moved that the next stage of the bill be taken later in the proceedings. The motion was approved.

The Minister of Finance, Hon. Colm Imbert, MP, moved a motion that the House adopt the Report of the Standing Finance Committee of the House of Representatives for the Third Session (2022/2023), Twelfth Parliament on the consideration of proposals for the Supplementation of Appropriation for the fiscal year 2022. Debate began on the motion. Three Opposition Members contributed to the debate before the wind up by the Minister of Finance. The motion was approved.

The Minister of Finance, Hon. Colm Imbert, MP, moved the second reading of The Finance (Supplementary Appropriation) (Financial Year 2022) Bill, 2023. There were no contributors to the debate. The bill was read a third time and passed.

The House paid tribute to Mr. James Ivan Ogiste, former member of Parliament for Tobago West, who passed away on January 1, 2023. A minute of silence was observed.

The Sitting concluded at 4:12 p.m.