Leave of absence was granted to Hon. Kamla Persad-Bissessar, S.C., MP for Siparia, Hon. Camille Robinson-Regis, MP for Arouca / Maloney and Mrs. Vidia Gayadeen Gopeesingh, MP for Oropouche West from today’s Sitting of the House.

Five Papers were laid. See Order Paper for details.

One report was presented.

Three urgent questions were posed.

Four questions qualified for oral answer.

Mr. Barry Padarath, MP, sought leave to move the adjournment of the House on a definite matter of urgent public importance namely the continued recognition of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago of Nicolas Maduro as President of Venezuela. The Speaker was not satisfied that this matter qualified under this Standing Order.

The Attorney General, Hon. Faris Al-Rawi, MP, has just moved the second reading of the National Statistical Institute of Trinidad and Tobago Bill, 2018. Debate began on the Bill. Debate was briefly suspended to allow the Minister of Finance to make a statement. Following the debate, the Bill was referred to a Joint Select Committee for consideration of the Bill and submission of a report by March 31, 2019.

The Minister of Finance made a statement on the status of the implementation of the Public Property and Disposal of Public Property Act.

The House considered the Senate amendments to the Administration of Justice (Indictable Proceedings) (Amendment) Bill, 2018.

The Sitting concluded at 6:18 p.m. The House adjourned to Friday February 8, 2019 at 1:30 p.m.