The President of the Senate granted leave of absence to Sen. James Lambert (illness) and Sen. Pennelope Beckles (out of the country). Ms. Patricia Herry and Mrs. Sherrie Ali were appointed to temporarily replace Senators Lambert and Beckles during their absence.

The Customs (Amendment) Bill, 2013 was read a first time in the Senate. The Minister of Finance moved that the next stage of the Bill be taken at a sitting of the Senate on May 21, 2013.

Five Papers were laid. See the Order Paper.

Two reports were presented. See the Order Paper.

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

The Minister of Sport moved the second reading of the Anti-Doping in Sport Bill, 2013. Sen. Faris Al-Rawi was first to enter the debate, followed by Sen. Dr. Victor Wheeler, the Minister in the Ministry of National Diversity and Social Integration and Sen. Terrence Deyalsingh. Six Senators made contributions before the Minister rose to conclude. The Bill was considered in Committee and passed with amendments. It was then read a third time and passed.