Sittings
18th Sitting of the Senate
2nd Session - 12th Republican Parliament
Leave of absence was granted to Sen. Jayanti Lutchmedial and Sen. Amrita Deonarine, who are ill. Ms. Taylor De Souza and Dr. Margaret Burgess were appointed temporary Senators in their place.
There are three Papers to be laid. See the Order Paper.
Two urgent questions were posed and answered. The urgent questions have been appended to the Order Paper.
Three Questions qualified for oral answer. See the Order Paper.
Sen. the Hon. Clarence Rambharat raised a matter of privilege, stating that Sen. Wade Mark made confounded, baseless and false statements on a matter raised on the adjournment of the Senate on the need for the Government to explain the decision to appoint Mr. Patrick Ferreira to serve as Chairman of NIBTT. The President of the Senate indicated that she would give her ruling at a later date.
Debate continued on a Private Motion by Senator Anthony Vieira which asks the Senate to censure the unparliamentary conduct of Opposition Senators who by threat or molestation have attempted to obstruct, impede, influence or interfere with Independent Senators in the performance of their duties. The Minister of Culture and the Arts was first to contribute, followed by Sen. Jearlean John, Sen. Hazel Thompson-Ahye and the Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs. Nine Senators contributed to the debate before Sen. Vieira rose to wind up. The Motion was then voted on and approved.
Sen. Wade Mark raised a matter regarding the decision of the TSTT to pursue a zero copper drive and the resulting rise in copper cable vandalism and theft. The Minister of Public Utilities, Hon. Marvin Gonzales, MP, responded.
Sen. Mark raised a second matter regarding the need for the Prime Minister to explain the Government’s Human Resource COVID-19 policy and the Urban Development Company of Trinidad and Tobago (UDECOTT). The Leader of Government Business, Sen. the Hon. Clarence Rambharat, responded.
At the next Sitting, debate is expected on the Immigration (Caribbean Community Skilled Nationals)(Amendment) Bill, 2022. The Sitting concluded at 7:09 p.m.