The Vice President advised that the President of the Senate is currently acting as President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Leave of absence was granted to Sen. the Hon. Dennis Moses, Sen. Foster Cummings and Sen. Dr. Maria Dillon-Remy, who are out of the country. Mr. Ndale Young, Mr. Augustus Thomas, Mr. Wayne Inniss and Ms. Shervon Ifill were appointed temporary Senators in their absence.

Temporary Senators Ndale Young, Augustus Thomas, Wayne Inniss and Shervon Ifill took the oath of allegiance.

The Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2018 was brought from the House of Representatives.

21 papers were laid. See Order Paper for details.

One Report was presented.

Two urgent questions were posed.

Thirteen questions qualified for oral answer. Question #78 was deferred for two weeks.

One Bill was introduced. See Order Paper for details.

Independent Senator Paul Richards moved a private motion calling on the Ministry of Education to immediately initiate and implement a comprehensive strategy to assist all children with disabilities, additional learning needs and/or challenging behaviours. Debate began on the motion.

Sen. Wade Mark raised a matter regarding the failure of the Government to appoint members to the Registration, Recognition and Certification Board. The Minister of Labour and Small Enterprise Development responded.
Sen. Mark raised another matter regarding the management, board and chairman of VMCOTT. The Minister of Works and Transport responded.

The Sitting concluded at 6:38 p.m. The Senate adjourned to Tuesday March 19, 2019 at 1:30 p.m.