The Vice-President of the Senate granted leave of absence to Senator Wesley George from today’s sitting of the House. The Vice-President also indicated that he was awaiting an instrument of appointment for a temporary senator and asked that that matter be stood down until later in the proceedings. Later in the proceedings, Mr. Joel Primus was sworn in to replace Sen. Wesley George during his absence from Trinidad and Tobago.

Three Papers were laid. All three were in the name of the Minister in the Ministry of Finance (Sen. the Hon. Mariano Browne) See the Supplemental Order Paper for details.

Nine Questions qualify for oral answer. Seven Questions were answered (70, 73, 77, 78, 79, 80 and 81) and two deferred. See the Order Paper for details.

Seven Questions qualify for written answer. See the Order Paper for details.

Debate began on a Motion in the name of the Minister of Agriculture, Land and Marine Resources to acquire land for a public purpose. The Motion was approved by the House of Representatives on 4 April 2008. Other than the mover of the Motion some six Senators spoke before the Motion was approved.

Debate resumed from (Tuesday May 20, 2008) on the International Child Abduction Bill, 2008. Senator Helen Drayton and Sen. Wade Mark made contributions before the Attorney General (Sen. the Hon. Bridgid Annisette-George) concluded the debate. The Bill was considered in Committee and passed without amendments.

The Senate adjourned to Tuesday June 17, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. On that occasion the Senate will commence debate on the Geneva Conventions Bill, 2008. The Senate adjourned at 7:27 p.m.