The Vice President granted leave of absence to Sen. the Hon. Timothy Hamel-Smith, President of the Senate, Sen. the Hon. Dr. Bhoendradatt Tewarie, Sen. the Hon. Kevin Ramnarine and Sen. Helen Drayton. Mr. Rabindra Moonan, Mr. Kevin Bhagaloo, Mr. Arnold Ram and Mr. Nicholas Galt were appointed to temporarily replace Sen. Hamel-Smith, Sen. Tewarie, Sen. Ramnarine and Sen. Drayton respectively during their absence.

Independent Senator Dr. James Armstrong presented the Third Report of the Joint Select Committee on Ministries, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (Group 2) on the Sport Company of Trinidad and Tobago (SPORTT).

Independent Senator Dr. James Armstrong presented the Fourth Report of the Joint Select Committee on Ministries, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (Group 2) on the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM).

Three Questions qualified for Oral Answer, of which all were answered. See Order Paper for details.

The Senate continued debate on the Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons Bill, 2011 with a contribution by Opposition Senator Faris Al-Rawi followed by contributions by Independent Senator Prof. Harold Ramkissoon, Government Senator the Honourable Brig. John Sandy, Opposition Senator Terrence Deyalsingh, Independent Senator Dr. Victor Wheeler, Government Senator Danny Maharaj, Opposition Senator Shamfa Cudjoe, Independent Senator Subhas Ramkhelawan, Government Senator Terance Baynes, Independent Senator Dr. Rolph Balgobin and Government Senator the Honourable Fazal Karim. Debate was then suspended.

The Senate adjourns to Tuesday March 20, 2012 at 1:30 p.m. where the Senate intends to continue debate on the Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons Bill, 2011 and if time permits debate will also continue on the Trinidad and Tobago Postal Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2012. The sitting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.