Sittings
26th Sitting of the House of Representatives
1st Session - 13th Republican Parliament
Leave of absence was granted to Hon. Roodal Moonilal, MP for Oropouche East, Hon. Pennelope Beckles-Robinson, MP for Arima and Mr. Christian Birchwood, MP for Laventille East / Morvant from today’s Sitting of the House. Leave of absence was also granted to Dr. Aiyna Ali, MP for Princes Town for the period 16th – 18th April and to Dr. Nyan Gadsby-Dolly, MP for St. Ann’s East for the period 17th – 30th April.
Ten papers were laid. See Order Paper.
Three questions were posed to the Prime Minister by Opposition Members. See Order Paper. All questions were answered.
One urgent question was posed and answered. See Order Paper.
The Prime Minister, Hon. Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP, made a statement of the status of a measure stated in 2026 Budget Statement on the exemption from income tax on pension payments received from Approved Pension Fund Plans and Approved Deferred Annuity Plans.
The Minister of Justice, Hon. Devesh Maharaj, MP, moved the second reading of The Probation of Offenders (Amendment) Bill, 2026. Debate began on the bill with three members making contributions before the Minister of Justice rose to wind up. The Bill was read a second time and committed to a Committee of the Whole to be considered clause by clause. No amendments were made. With 34 votes for, no votes against and no abstentions, the bill was read a third time and passed.
One report was presented.
The Member for Diego Martin North/East, Mr. Colm Imbert, MP, raised a matter on the adjournment regarding the water supply issues in the Diego Martin North/East constituency. The Minister of Public Utilities, Hon. Barry Padarath, MP, responded.
The Member for San Fernando East, Mr. Brian Manning, MP, also raised a matter on the adjournment regarding the status of the Community Water Improvement Programme in Pleasantville. The Minister in the Ministry of Public Utilities, Hon. Clyde Elder, MP, responded.
The Sitting concluded at 6:12 p.m.