Leave of absence was granted to Hon. Ayanna Webster-Roy, MP for Tobago East, Mr. Rudranath Indarsingh, MP for Couva South and Ms. Marlene McDonald, MP for Port of Spain South, from today’s Sitting of the House.

The Speaker of the House expounded on what constitutes a definite matter of urgent public importance (Standing Order 17).

The Trinidad and Tobago Revenue Authority Bill, 2019 was brought from the Senate in the name of the Minister of Finance.

Five papers were laid. See Order Paper for details.

Three reports were presented.

Four urgent questions were posed and answered.

The Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Keith Rowley, MP, made a statement on the Government’s plan to present legislation to address the issue of Campaign Finance Reform.

The Representation of the People (Amendment) Bill, 2020 was introduced in the name of the Prime Minister.

The Leader of Government Business, Hon. Camille Robinson-Regis, MP, moved a motion that a Joint Select Committee be established to consider and report on the Representation of the People (Amendment) Bill, 2020 and to submit a final report by August 31, 2020. The motion was approved. She further moved the appointment of six Members of Parliament to the Committee. This was also approved.

The Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Keith Rowley, MP, moved a motion that the House approve the Draft EBC (Local Government and THA) Order, 2020. Debate began on the motion. The motion was approved.

Debate continued on The Real Estate Agents Bill, 2020. Following the debate, the Bill was committed to a Committee of the Whole House for consideration clause by clause. The Bill was read a third time and passed, with amendments.

The Attorney General moved a motion that the Senate amendments to The Administration of Justice (Electronic Monitoring) (Amendment) Bill, 2020 be considered. The motion was approved.

The Sitting concluded at 7:14 p.m. The House adjourned to Friday May 15, 2020 at 1:30 p.m.