The Vice-President of the Senate indicated that the President of the Senate was acting as President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

The Vice-President granted Leave of Absence to Sen. the Hon. Hazel Manning (28 May – 8 June) and to Sen. Annette Nicholson-Alfred (today’s sitting). Sen. Noel Gayle was sworn in to replace Sen. Manning during her absence from Trinidad and Tobago. The Vice-President also indicated that there would be another instrument of appointment to be taken later in the proceedings. Sen. Foster Cummings was later appointed a Senator during the absence of Sen. the Hon. Danny Montano

14 Questions qualify for Oral Answer. Two questions (12 and 67) were answered and the remaining questions deferred. See the Order Paper for details.

Nine Questions qualify for written answer. The response to Question 72 was circulated. See the Order Paper for details.

Debate resumed on a Private Motion by Senator Wade Mark on Standards and Regulations for the Private Security Industry. Sen. Dr. Jennifer Kernahan resumed her contribution (from 22 April 2008). She was followed by Sen. Cindy Devika Sharma and Sen. Wade Mark. The Motion was approved.

Sen. Subhas Ramkhelawan raised the matter of the Government’s Plans for dealing with inflation and the promotion of savings. The Minister in the Ministry of Finance responded.

Sen. Wade Mark raised the matter of the decision of the former Minister of Finance to appoint to the National Insurance Board its current Chairman contrary to Section 3 (2) of the National Insurance Act. The Minister in the Ministry of Finance (Sen. the Hon. Mariano Browne) responded.

The Senate adjourned to Tuesday June 10, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. On that occasion the Senate will first deal with a Motion in the name of the Minister of Agriculture, Land and Marine Resources to acquire land for a public purpose. The Senate will then continue debate on the International Child Abduction Bill, 2008