Twelve Papers were laid in the names of the Minister of Finance, Minister of Public Administration and Communications, Minister of Works and Transport, Minister of Education and Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries. Papers 1-2 were referred to the Public Accounts Committee. Papers 3-8 were referred to the Public Accounts (Enterprises) Committee. See Order Paper for details.

Five questions were posed to the Prime Minister by members of the Opposition.

Six urgent questions were posed. See Order Paper for details.

Nine questions qualified for oral answer. See Order Paper for details.

Min. Garcia shared on the Government’s administration of the 377 scholarships awarded to persons performing with excellence at CAPE. He stated that two additional Natural Sciences scholarships were awarded and four scholarships were upgraded to open scholarships – three in Natural Sciences field and one in the field of Humanities. Congratulations were extended to scholarship winners.

The Attorney General informed that the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, 2018 was approved by the Cabinet to be laid in Parliament. He shared highlights of the Bill.

The Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, 2018 was introduced in the name of the Attorney General. Hon. Faris Al-Rawi, MP, moved a motion that the Bill be referred to a Joint Select Committee who will consider the Bill and report to the House by March 31, 2018. The motion was carried.

The Leader of the House moved a motion that the House appoint, to sit with an equal number in the Senate, six members to consider and report on the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, 2018. This motion was approved.

Debate began on a private Motion by the Member for Chaguanas East asking the House to take note of the Government’s failure to present a viable plan to diversify the economy and to place Trinidad and Tobago on the path of sustainable growth.

The Sitting concluded at 6:15 p.m. The House adjourned to Friday February 2, 2018 at 1:30 p.m..