Sittings
18th Sitting of the Senate
1st Session - 12th Republican Parliament
The Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters (Amendment) Bill, 2021 was read a first time in the Senate.
One Paper was laid. See the Supplemental Order Paper.
There are three Questions on Notice listed on the Order Paper. Two questions (80 and 81) were answered. Question 82 was deferred for two weeks.
One Bill, the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2021, was introduced in the name of the Attorney General.
Debate resumed on a Motion by Sen. Wade Mark asking that the Senate revert to the Speaking times as set out in the Standing Orders. Sen. Damian Lyder was first to contribute, followed by Sen. Dr. Maria Dillon-Remy and Sen. Jearlean John. A total of 12 Members spoke over two days of debate before Sen. Mark rose to conclude. A division was taken, the result of which was ten for, 19 against, no abstentions. The Motion was not approved.
Sen. Mark moved a Motion asking the Government to reconsider it borrowing policy and to outline plans to fulfil debt servicing obligations. The Minister of Finance responded before Sen. Mark rose to conclude. A division was taken, the result of which was six for, 17 against, six abstentions. The Motion was not approved.
Senator Mark raised as a Matter on the Motion for the Adjournment of the Senate, the need for the Government to immediately address the challenges being experienced by staff at the Immigration Division with the recently “Upgraded Digitalized System” provided by the Canadian Bank Note Corporation. The Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries responded.
Senator Mark then raised a second matter, the failure of the Government to address the plight of hundreds of Pre-School and Private School teachers who have not received the salary relief grants for which they have applied. The Minister of Finance responded.
At the next Sitting, the Senate is expected to take the CARIFORUM States (the Caribbean Community and the Dominican Republic) and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Economic Partnership Agreement Bill, 2021 through all its stages. The Sitting ended at 6:13 p.m.