The President granted leave of absence to Sen. the Hon. Vasant Bharath, Sen. Shamfa Cudjoe and Sen. Basharat Ali. Archbishop Barbara Burke, Mr. Deon Isaac and Mr. Albert Sydney were appointed to temporarily replace Sen. Bharath, Sen. Cudjoe and Sen. Ali respectively during their absence.

Three Papers were laid. See the Order Paper for details.

Three Questions qualify for oral answer. See the Order Paper.

Debate continued on a Motion by Sen. Fitzgerald Hinds which asks the Senate to take note of the strengths and deficiencies of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service and its impact and potential in the fight against crime. Sen. Deon Isaac rose to initiate the debate with his contribution followed by contributions by Independent Senator Prof. Harold Ramkissoon, Government Senator David Abdulah, Independent Senator Albert Sydney, Government Senator Terance Baynes, Senator the Honourable Verna St. Rose Greaves and Senator Archbishop Barbara Gray-Burke. Senator Fitzgerald Hinds rose to conclude the debate after which the Motion was voted on and approved.

Opposition Senator Pennelope Beckles raised the matter of the construction of a Prison Facility at Santa Rose Heights and the lack of consultation with residents in the area before the statuatory approval of the building of such a facility. Senator the Honourable Brig. John Sandy, the Minister of National Security rose to respond.

Opposition Senator Pennelope Beckles raised the matter of the improper maintenance of the current Water Taxi Service vessels. Senator the Honourable Devant Maharaj, Minister of Transport rose to respond.

The Senate adjourns to Tuesday April 3, 2012 at 1:30 p.m. where the Senate intends to continue debate on the Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons Bill, 2011.
Before adjourning, the Members of the Senate paid tribute to the Spiritual Baptist community on the occasion of Spiritual Baptist Shouter Liberation Day. The sitting adjourned at 7:46 p.m.