The Speaker granted leave of absence to the Member for Laventille East/Morvant (Hon. Donna Cox, MP) for the period 7-21 June 2008, and to the Members for Tabaquite (Mr. Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj SC MP), Chaguanas West (Mr. Jack Warner MP) and Siparia (Mrs. Kamla Persad-Bissessar, MP) for today’s sitting. The Speaker also indicated that due to a problem with the audio system, members would have to manually operate their microphones.

Four Papers were laid. Three Papers were in the name of the Minister of Finance (Hon. Karen Nunez-Teshiera, MP). One of these three Papers was referred to the Public Accounts Committee and the other two to the Public Accounts (Enterprises) Committee. The fourth paper was in the name of the Deputy Speaker. See the Order Paper for details.

Eight Questions qualify for oral answer. One Question (157) was answered by the Leader of the House on behalf of the Minister of National Security. The remaining questions were deferred for two weeks. See the Order Paper for details.

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

Two members raised matters under Standing Order 12. The Member for Princes Town North (Mr. Subhas Panday MP) sought to raise the issue of the high rate of serious crimes, and the member for Caroni East (Dr. Tim Gopeesingh MP) sought to raise the issue of airborne and waterborne chemical and toxic effects from the Guanapo dump site in Arima. In both instances the Speaker ruled that the matter did not qualify under this Standing Order.

The Minister of Finance made a Statement on the performance of the Trinidad and Tobago economy.

The Minister of Information made a statement detailing the process leading to the change of the nation’s highest award from the Trinity Cross to the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

The Minister of Health made a statement on the status of the Construction of the Scarborough Hospital.

The Minister of Social Development (Hon. Dr. Amery Browne, MP) moved the Second Reading of the Children’s Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2008. The Bill as introduced requires a special (three-fifths) majority in order to be passed. The Member for Oropouche West (Ms. Mickela Panday, MP) followed the Minister, making her maiden contribution in the House. In all some six members spoke before the Minister concluded the debate. The Bill was considered in Committee and passed without amendments. It was then read a third time and passed. The result of the division on the Third Reading was 31 for and none against.

At its next sitting the House will consider the Children’s Community Residences, Foster Homes and Nurseries (Amendment) Bill, 2008. This Bill is in the name of the Minister of Social Development. Time permitting, the House will also consider Senate Amendments to the Immigration (Advance Passenger Information) Bill, 2008. The House adjourned at 8:55 p.m.