The President granted leave of absence to Sen. Fitzgerald Hinds, Sen. Shamfa Cudjoe and Sen. Basharat Ali. Mrs. Sherrie Ali, Mrs. Camille Robinson-Regis and Mr. Albert Sydney were appointed to temporarily replace Sen. Hinds, Sen. Cudjoe and Sen. Ali respectively during their absence.

Eleven Papers were laid. See the Order Paper and Supplemental for details.

Three questions qualified for oral answer, however a request was made to defer the response to these questions for a week due to the absence of Senator Fitzgerald Hinds who initiated the request.

Debate continued on the Administration of Justice (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) Bill, 2011 which was suspended when the Senate adjourned on Tuesday November 15, 2011. Senator the Honourable Anand Ramlogan, SC began today’s debate with his contribution followed by Opposition Senator Sherrie Ali, Independent Senator Professor Harold Ramkissoon, Government Senator Terance Baynes, Opposition Senator Dr. Lester Henry, Independent Senator Dr. Victor Wheeler, Government Senator the Honourable Devant Maharaj, Opposition Senator Camille Robinson-Regis, Government Senator David Abdulah, Opposition Senator Pennelope Beckles. The Minister of Justice rose to conclude the debate. The Bill was considered in Committee and passed with amendment. The Bill was then read a third time and passed unanimously with a division of 29 for, none against, no abstentions.

The Senate adjourned to Tuesday February 14, 2012 at 11 a.m. at which time the Government intends to take through all its stages the Finance Bill, 2012 and if time permits the Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons Bill, 2011. The sitting ended at 1:20 a.m.