Sittings
18th Sitting of the Senate
1st Session - 13th Republican Parliament
Friday 23 January, 2026
1:30 PM
Announcements By The President/Vice-President
Leave of Absence
Sen. Janelle John-Bates sought leave of absence from today’s sitting. Mr. Taharqa Obika was appointed to temporarily replace Sen. John-Bates during her absence.
Sen. Taharqa Obika [Opposition Senator (Temporary)]
Government Business: Bills Second Reading
The Law Reform (Zones of Special Operations) (Special Security and Community Development Measures) Bill, 2026
The Senate resumed debate on the Law Reform (Zones of Special Operations) (Special Security and Community Development Measures) Bill, 2026. Ten Members made contributions before debate was suspended.
Sen. the Hon. Phillip Alexander [Minister in the Ministry of Housing]
Sen. Melanie Roberts-Radgman [Opposition Senator]
Sen. Francis Lewis [Independent Senator]
Sen. Daniel Rasheed [Government Senator (Temporary)]
Sen. Taharqa Obika [Opposition Senator (Temporary)]
Sen. Candice Jones-Simmons [Independent Senator]
Sen. David Nakhid [Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs]
Sen. Zola Phillips [Independent Senator (Temporary) ]
Sen. the Hon. Leroy Baptiste [Minister of Labour, Small and Micro Enterprise Development]
Sen. Dr. Natalie Chaitan-Maharaj [Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of the People, Social Development and Family Services]
Adjournment
The Senate adjourned to Tuesday January 27, 2026 at 1:30 p.m.
At the next sitting, debate is expected to continue on the Law Reform (Zones of Special Operations) (Special Security and Community Development Measures) Bill, 2026. The sitting ended at 7:48 p.m.