The Clerk of the House read the proclamation declaring the First Session of the Eighth Parliament open.

Mr. Barendra Sinanan is elected Speaker of the House.

Mr. Hedwige Bereaux is elected Deputy Speaker.

All other Members of Parliament took and subscribed to the oath of office.

Mr. Speaker indicated that His Excellency the President wished to address both Houses of Parliament. The sitting was then suspended.

Her Excellency Dr. Linda Baboolal, Acting President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago addressed both Houses of Parliament assembled together on the occasion of the Ceremonial Opening of the First Session of the Eighth Parliament.

Legislative Proposals emanating from the Bipartisan Team to seek solutions to the problems within the Police Service.

The Prime Minister stated that the Budget Presentation for fiscal 2003 would be held on Monday October 21, 2002 at 2:00 p.m.

The Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition extended congratulations to the Speaker on his election to office.

Mr. Speaker gave a vote of thanks.

The House adjourned to Monday October 21, 2002 at 2:00 p.m.