The Speaker granted leave of absence to the Member for Fyzabad (Jan 6-18), and to the Members for Tabaquite, Mayaro, Couva South, Chaguanas West, St. Augustine, Toco/Sangre Grande and Princes Town (today). The Speaker also granted leave of absence to the Member for La Horquetta/Talparo for the month of January. The Speaker instructed the Clerk to convey condolences to the wife of Prof. Richards, in writing.

The Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition and Speaker of the House paid tribute to Prof. George Maxwell Richards, fourth President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, who passed away on January 8, 2018.

14 Papers were laid. See the Order Paper and Supplemental Order Paper.

Two reports from Committees were presented. See the Order Paper.

There are five urgent questions. They have been appended to the Order Paper.

11 Questions on Notice were listed on the Order Paper. The Leader of the House indicated that ten questions would be answered and one (58) deferred.

Debate resumed on the Miscellaneous Provisions (Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters, Proceeds of Crime, Financial Intelligence Unit of Trinidad and Tobago, Customs and Exchange Control) Bill, 2017. The Minister of National Security contributed first, followed by the Member for Naparima, the Member for Pointe-a-Pierre and the Member for Barataria/San Juan. The Attorney General then rose to conclude. The Bill was considered in Committee and approved without amendment. It was then read a third time and passed.

The Minister of Health moved a Motion asking the House to approve the Dental Profession (Amendment to the Schedule) Order, 2017. The Member for Chaguanas East entered the debate, followed by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Education. The Minister of Health then rose to conclude the debate. The Motion was approved.

The Member for Naparima moved a Motion asking the House to annul the Freedom of Information (Exemption) Order, 2017. The Attorney General rose to respond to the Motion, followed by the Leader of the Opposition, the Member for St. Augustine, the Member for Oropouche East and the Minister of National Security. The Member for Naparima then rose to conclude. The Minister in the Ministry of the Attorney General and Legal Affairs then responded. The Motion failed.

The sitting ended at 12:15 a.m.