The President granted leave of absence to Senator the Honourable Verna St. Rose Greaves. Mr. Arnold Ram was appointed to temporarily replace Sen. St. Rose Greaves during her absence.

The Minister of Finance introduced the Finance Bill, 2012 and moved that the next stage of the bill be taken later in the proceedings. This was granted.

Seven Papers were laid. See Order Paper and Supplemental for details.

Eight Questions qualified for Oral Answer, of which all were answered. See Order Paper for details.

The Minister of Finance moved the second reading of the Finance Bill, 2012. Opposition Senator Dr. Lester Henry rose to make the initial contribution to the debate, followed by contributions by Independent Senator Subhas Ramkhelawan, The Minister of Food Production, Land and Marine Affairs, Opposition Senator Terrence Deyalsingh, Independent Senator Helen Drayton, Senator the Honourable Dr. Bhoendradatt Tewarie, Minister of Planning and the Economy, Opposition Senators Faris Al-Rawi and Shamfa Cudjoe, Independent Senator Dr. Rolph Balgobin, Senator the Honourable Emmanuel George, Senator the Honourable Kevin Ramnarine, Senator Pennelope Beckles, Independent Senator Dr. James Armstrong, Senator the Honourable Anand Ramlogan, SC, Attorney General and Independent Senator Elton Prescott, SC. The Minister of Finance then 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.

The Senate adjourns to Tuesday February 28, 2012 at 1:30 p.m. where debate is expected to continue on a Motion by Sen. Fitzgerald Hinds which asks the Senate to take note of the strengths and deficiencies of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service and its impact and potential in the fight against crime. The sitting adjourned at 10:15 p.m.