Sittings
21st Sitting of the Senate
2nd Session - 12th Republican Parliament
The President of the Senate announced that the Office of Vice-President of the Senate was vacant and invited nominations. The Leader of Government Business nominated Sen. Dr. Muhammad Yunis Ibrahim. There being no other nominations, Dr. Ibrahim was duly elected Vice-President of the Senate.
The President then announced the revocation of the appointments of Senators Clarence Rambharat and Senator Yokymma Bethelmy. The President is also announced the appointment of Mr. Reginald Armour, SC and Mr. Laurence Hislop to the Senate, both of whom then took the appropriate oath.
Four Papers were laid. See the Order Paper.
Four Urgent questions have been approved. All four were answered. The questions are appended to the Order Paper.
Eight questions qualified for oral answer. All questions were answered. See the Order Paper.
The Leader of Government Business moved a motion asking that Senator Reginald Armour, SC be appointed to the Special Select Committee of the Senate on the Sexual Offences (Amendment)(No.3) Bill in the capacity of Chairman. The Senate agreed.
Sen. Amrita Deonarine moved a private motion calling on the Government to table in Parliament, within six (6) months, a comprehensive policy framework that will guide key stakeholders, including MSMEs, the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago and Commercial Banks on how the Government intends to navigate the tightness in the foreign exchange market to overcome downside risks in the medium and long-term. Five contributions were made before debate was suspended.
Senator Mark raised two matters on the Motion for the Adjournment of the Senate. The first related to the failure of the management and board of directors of TSTT to collect billions of dollars in outstanding receivables whilst threatening to relieve hundreds of workers, and the second related to the need for the Government to explain the decision of the Management and Board of Directors of TSTT to write off some $2.4b for the last six (6) years. The Minister of Public Utilities responded in both instances.
The Sitting ended at 6:15 p.m.