The Speaker granted Leave of Absence to the Member for Point Fortin (14-17 May, 2008), D’Abadie/O’Meara (15-19 May, 2008), Fyzabad and St. Augustine (today’s sitting).

The Speaker brought to the attention of the House the murder of Mr. Winston Budhram, Audio/Visual Technician (IT) of the Office of the Parliament on Sunday May 11, 2008, and his cremation following a church service on Thursday May 15, 2008.

Two Papers in the name of the Minister of Finance were laid by the Minister in the Ministry of Finance (Sen. the Hon. Mariano Browne). Both Papers were referred to the Public Accounts Committee. See the Supplemental Order Paper for details.

33 Questions qualified for oral answer. The Government was prepared to answer nine questions (24, 54, 62, 95, 105, 106, 120, 124 and 129). The remaining questions were deferred for two weeks. The responses to Questions 124 and 129 were circulated since the time alloted for questions under the Standing Orders expired. See the Order Paper for details.

18 questions qualify for written answer on the Order Paper. The Leader of the House indicated that the Government was prepared to circulate the responses to Questions 80, 83, 85 and 94, which were all directed to the Minister of Planning Housing and the Environment. See the Order Paper for details.

Four Matters were raised under Standing Order 12 by the Members for Caroni East, Oropouche West, Princes Town North and Oropouche East respectively. The Matters were: The closure of the haemodialysis center in the San Fernando General Hospital; the bulldozing of lands at Spring Village, Valsayn; the development of a health threat (dust and noise) near the Princes Town Junior Secondary School; and the recent death of Mr. Anil Bickramdass, a steel plant worker, and the implications for OSHA. In all cases the Speaker advised that these matters would qualify under Standing Order 11.

Debate began on the Pensions (Amendment) Bill, 2008. The Minister of Education commenced debate on the Bill, which was originally listed in the name of the Minister of Public Administration. Five Members contributed to the Bill before the Minister concluded the debate. The Bill was considered in Committee and passed without amendments. It was then read a third time and passed.

The Member for Tabaquite and Chief Whip raised the matter of the urgent need for the Government to provide security to the people against crime. The Minister of National Security responded.

The Member for Caroni East raised the matter of the lack of proper procurement regime in State Enterprises. The Minister in the Ministry of Finance responded.

The House adjourned to Friday May 23, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. On that occasion the House will debate Motions pertaining to the appointment of oversight Joint Select Committees. The Leader of the House (Hon. Colm Imbert, MP) indicated that after consultation with the Chief Whip, June 6th, 2008 would be reserved for Private Members’ day instead of May 23rd, the 4th Friday of the month.