Leave of absence was granted to Hon. Major General (Retired) Edmund Dillon, MP for Point Fortin, Hon. Cherrie-Ann Crichlow-Cockburn, MP for Lopinot / Bon Air West, Dr. Tim Gopeesingh, MP for Caroni East, Mr. Ganga Singh, MP for Chaguanas West and Mr. Prakash Ramadhar, MP for St. Augustine, from today’s Sitting of the House.

Fifteen papers were laid. See Order Paper for details.

Two urgent questions were posed and answered.

Mr. Barry Padarath, MP sought leave to move the adjournment of the House on a definite matter of urgent public importance namely the crisis created by the Ministry of Public Utilities in South Trinidad due to the total absence of reliable and regular supply of water to constituents of Princes Town and Moruga/Tableland over the last month. The Speaker was not satisfied that this matter qualified under this Standing Order.
Mrs. Christine Newallo-Hosein, MP also sought leave to move the adjournment of the House on the matter of the urgent need for the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services to intervene and investigate the operations of the Cyril Ross Children’s Home. The Speaker was not satisfied that this matter qualified under this Standing Order.

Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Keith Rowley, MP, made a statement on the suspension of the Unitization Agreement with Venezuela, for the exploitation and development of hydrocarbon reservoirs of the Loran-Manatee Field.

The Member for Diego Martin North/East, Hon. Colm Imbert, MP, moved a motion that the House adopt the report of the Joint Select Committee appointed to consider and report on the Gambling (Gaming and Betting) Control Bill, 2019 in the Fifth Session, Eleventh Parliament. Debate began on the motion. The Minister of Finance began his wind up of the debate before the House adjourned.

The Sitting concluded at 7:38 p.m. The House adjourned to Wednesday February 12, 2020 at 1:30 p.m.