The Clerk of the House read the Proclamation declaring the first Session of the 12th Parliament of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago open. The National Anthem was then played.

Hon. Bridgid Annisette-George, MP, was elected Speaker of the House.

Mr. Esmond Forde, MP for Tunapuna, was elected Deputy Speaker of the House.

All other Members of Parliament took the oath of allegiance.

The Speaker announced that the Her Excellency the President wished to address members of both Houses of Parliament and suspended the sitting.

Her Excellency Paula-Mae Weekes addressed members of both Houses.

One paper was laid. See Order Paper for details.

The Public Health (Amendment) Bill, 2020 was introduced in the name of the Attorney General. The Attorney General moved that the next stage of the Bill be taken later in the proceedings. The motion was approved.

The Leader of the House moved that Standing Order 45 (1) be suspended during the period of the current global pandemic and that a speaking time of 30 minutes be allotted to the mover and first responder of Bills and motions and 20 minutes be allotted to all other speakers, with no extensions. The motion was approved.

The Attorney General, Hon. Faris Al-Rawi, MP, moved the second reading of The Public Health (Amendment) Bill, 2020. Debate began on the Bill. Following the debate, the Bill was committed to a Committee of the Whole for consideration clause by clause. Amendments were made. The Bill was read a third time and passed.

The House brought congratulations and best wishes on the beginning of a new Parliament, followed by greetings to the nation on the celebration of Independence Day. The Sitting concluded at 5:05 p.m. The House adjourned to a date to be fixed.