The President of the Senate granted leave of absence to Sen. James Lambert and to Sen. Helen Drayton who are both out of the country. The President of the Senate then read a letter from the President of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago appointing Mr. Nazeemool Mohammed (Government) and Dr. Kriyaan Singh (Independent) as temporary Senators. They then took the Oath of Allegiance as temporary Senators for today’s sitting.

In accordance with S.O. 64 of the Senate, Dr. Dhanayshar Mahabir replaced Mr. Subhas Ramkhelawan on the Privileges Committee for the Fourth Session (2013/2014) of the Tenth Parliament.

The Senate paid tribute Senior Counsel and former Independent Senator Dana Seetahal who died on May 4, 2014. The Attorney General was the first to make his remarks on behalf of the Government. Sen. Faris Al-Rawi then made his contribution on behalf of the Opposition followed by Sen. Anthony Vieira and Sen. Dr. Rolph Balgobin on behalf of the Independent Bench. The President of the Senate also rose to join Senators in paying tribute to Ms. Seetahal. The Senate then took a minute of silence to pay their respects. The President also noted the passing of former Director of Corporate Communications, Ms. Suzanne Salandy on Sunday May 4th, 2014.

Twenty Papers were laid. See the Order Paper and Supplemental Order Paper

The Second Interim Report of the Special Select Committee appointed to consider and report on the Securities (Amendment) Bill, 2013 was laid by the Minister of Finance and the Economy. See the Order Paper and Supplemental Order Paper respectively.

Questions Nos. 82, 83, 84 and 85 were answered. Questions Nos. 62, 63,64,69, 71,72,73, 86,87, 91,100 and 101 were deferred for 2 weeks. See the Order Paper and Supplemental Order Paper respectively.

Sen. the Hon. Ganga Singh made a statement regarding the new Teak and Pine Policy of the Forestry Division of the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources

Debate resumed on a Private Motion to appointment of a JSC Election Campaign Financing in the name of Senator Helen Drayton. Sen. Shamfa Cudjoe was first to re-enter the debate. Sen. Rev. Joy Abdul-Mohan was next to give her contribution followed by Sen. Diane Baldeo-Chadeesingh

On behalf of the Minister of Finance and the Economy, the Leader of Government Business moved that the Special Select Committee on the Securities (Amendment) Bill 2013 be granted a four week extension to complete its work. The question was put and agreed to. The Leader of Government Business then moved that the Senate agree to the appointment of Sen. H.R. Ian Roach in lieu of Mr. Subhas Ramkhelawan on the Joint Select Committee MCSC and Dr. Dhanayshar Mahabir in lieu of Mr. Subhas Ramkhelawan on the Joint Select Committee on the Insurance (No.2) Bill, 2013.

The Senate was adjourned to Tuesday 13th May 2014 where they will continue debate on The Nurses and Midwives Registration (Amendment) Bill, 2014