Leave of absence was granted to Sen. the Hon. Dr. Amery Browne, who is ill. Mr. Ndale Young was appointed temporary Senator in his place.

One report was presented. See Order Paper.

Three questions qualified for oral answer. See Order Paper. All questions were answered.

Temporary Senator Ndale Young took the oath of allegiance.

The Acting Leader of Government Business, Sen. the Hon. Paula Gopee-Scoon, moved a motion that, in the 4th Session of the 12th Parliament, a committee be re-established to consider and report on the Miscellaneous Provisions (Trial By Judge Alone) Bill, 2023. The motion was approved.

The Senate resumed debate on a private motion moved by Sen. Jayanti Lutchmedial on the Government’s commitment to democracy in Trinidad and Tobago. Seven contributions were made before the adjournment of the Senate.

Sen. Thompson-Ahye raised a matter on the adjournment namely “The need for the Government to introduce legislation with a view to increasing the age of criminal responsibility to the age of fourteen (14) years in accordance with international standards”. The Attorney General, Sen. the Hon. Reginald Armour, S.C., responded.

Sen. Wade Mark also raised a matter on the adjournment namely “The need for the Government to address the decision of the Teaching Service Commission to alter its Primary School teacher recruitment policy without consultation with denominational boards.” The Minister in the Ministry of Education, Hon. Lisa Morris-Julian, MP, responded.

The Sitting concluded at 6:40 p.m.