The Speaker granted Leave of Absence to the Member for Chaguanas West (6-20 May), Diego Martin Central, Point Fortin and La Brea (today).

The Member for Caroni East raised the matter of the failure of the Ministry of Public Utilities to provide an adequate supply of water to schools in Trinidad. The Speaker ruled that the matter did not qualify under this Standing Order.

The Minister of Health made a Statement in the House on the Status of Infrastructure Projects in the Health Sector.

The Minister of Works and Transport resumed his contribution (from 27 March 2009) on a Private Motion by the Member for Siparia which asks the House to express its loss of confidence in the Minister of Finance. He was followed by the Member for St. Augustine and the Minister of Education. Debate was then suspended.

The Member for Tabaquite raised two matters on the Motion for the Adjournment of the House. The first was the need for Government to indicate whether it intends to implement the Dangerous Dogs Act, 2000, and if so, when. The Attorney General responded.

The second matter raised was “the need for Government to inform this Honourable House of the reason(s), if any, for its decision to curtail fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens during the period of the recently held 5th Summit of the Americas, namely-: the right to freedom of movement,
the right to freedom of thought and expression including the right to express political views and the right to freedom of association and assembly, all of which are enshrined in Section (4) and (5) of the Constitution.” The Attorney General again responded.

At its next sitting debate is expected to begin on the Proceeds of Crime (Amendment) Bill, 2009.