The President brought to the attention of the House the death of Mr. Winston Budhram, Audio/Visual Technician of the broadcast unit of the Office of the Parliament, who lost his life on the evening of Sunday May 11, 2008 in Arima.

Mr. President also announced the presence in the Chamber of Mr. John Mundy, Ag. High Commissioner to Canada.

Two Papers were laid. Both Papers were laid in the name of the Minister in the Ministry of Finance.

16 Questions qualify for Oral Answer. Three questions (55, 61 and 64) were answered and the response to Question 58 circulated due to the absence of Sen. Michael Annisette. The remaining questions were deferred. See the Order Paper for details.

Ten questions qualify for oral answer. See the Order Paper for details.

The Prime Minister (Hon. Patrick Manning, MP) made a statement in the Senate about public comments surrounding the activities of UDECOTT, and calls for the setting up of a Commission of Enquiry. Among his proposals was the appointment of a Joint Select Committee of Parliament consisting of six members (3 from the Senate, 3 from the House of Representatives) and chaired by an Independent Senator, that would sit in public and whose deliberations would be broadcast live.

Debate resumed (from Tuesday May 6, 2008) on the Immigration (Advance Passenger Information) Bill, 2008. Sen. Dr. Jennifer Kernahan resumed her contribution. She was followed by Sen. Subhas Ramkhelawan, Sen. Linus Rogers (making his maiden contribution), Sen. Cindy Devika Sharma, Sen. Annette Nicholson-Alfred, Sen. Dr. Carson Charles, Sen. Gail Merhair, Sen. the Hon. Mariano Browne, Sen. Dr. Adesh Nanan and Sen. Corinne Baptiste-McKnight. The Minister of National Security then concluded the debate. The Bill was considered in Committee and passed with amendments. It was later read a third time and passed. The amendments will be sent to the House of Representatives.

Permission was granted for one matter to be raised on the Motion on the Adjournment. Sen. Mark raised the Matter of the sale of Guardian Holdings Shares by RBTT. The Minister in the Ministry of Finance (Sen. the Hon. Mariano Browne) responded.

At its next sitting, the House proposes to deal with the International Child Abduction Bill, 2008, which is in the name of the Minister of Social Development (Hon. Dr. Amery Browne, MP). Time permitting, debate is also expected to begin on a Motion in the name of the Minister of Agriculture, Land and Marine Resources (Sen. the Hon. Arnold Piggott) which seeks to acquire lands for a public purpose (St. Paul Street, Port-of-Spain and Constabulary Street, Carenage).