Leave of absence was granted to Mr. Barry Padarath, MP for Princes Town, from today’s Sitting.

The House paid tribute to Mr. Cyril Rogers, former Member of Parliament for Point Fortin and former Deputy Speaker during the 1st and 2nd Republican Parliaments, from 1976-1986, who passed away on January 25, 2020. A minute of silence was observed.

Seventeen papers were laid. See Order Papers.

One urgent question was posed and answered.

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

Dr. Tim Gopeesingh, MP, sought leave to move the adjournment of the House on a definite matter of urgent public importance namely the increasing number of coronavirus infections in 25 countries and the Trinidad and Tobago’s Government not properly securing the country’s border. The Speaker of the House was not satisfied that this matter qualified under Standing Order 17.
Dr. Fuad Khan, MP, also sought leave to address the matter of the failure of the Government to provide the students of San Juan Girls and Boys Government Schools with proper and adequate educational facilities. The Speaker was not satisfied that this matter qualified under the Standing Order.

Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister, Hon. Ayanna Webster-Roy, MP, made statements on the Government’s National Child Policy and the National HIV/AIDS Policy. Hon. Terrence Deyalsingh, MP and Minister of Health, made a statement on the Coronavirus.

The Minister of Finance, Hon. Colm Imbert, MP, moved the second reading of The Insurance (Amendment) Bill, 2019. Debate began on the Bill. Following the debate, the Bill was committed to a Committee of the Whole House for consideration clause by clause. No amendments were made. The Bill was read a third time and passed.

Dr. Surujrattan Rambachan raised a matter on the adjournment regarding the process to grant permission for the procurement of gravel, tractor cut quarry material and other stones. The Minister of Energy and Energy Industries responded.

The Sitting concluded at 6:58 p.m. The House adjourned to Friday February 7, 2020 at 1:30 p.m.