The President granted leave of absence to Sen. the Hon. Ganga Singh (out of the country) and Sen. Dr. Lester Bernard (illness). Rev. Barbara Burke and Mr. Hugh Ian Russell Roach were appointed to temporarily replace Senators Singh and Bernard.

The President made an announcement about the ongoing exercise in Parliamentary strengthening being conducted in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Two Papers were laid. See the Order Paper.

One report was presented. See the Order Paper.

Two Questions qualified for oral answer. One question was answered and the other deferred. See the Order Paper.

Debate resumed on a Private Motion by Sen. Fitzgerald Hinds which asks the Government to re-affirm its commitment to the principles and the practice of democracy in Trinidad and Tobago. Sen. Prof. Harold Ramkissoon was first to enter the debate, followed by Sen. Prof. James Armstrong, the Minister of Food Production and Sen. Dr. Lester Henry. The debate was then suspended.

The sitting ended at 4:31 p.m.