The President of the Senate granted leave of absence to Sen. the Hon. Vasant Bharath, Sen. Kevin Ramnarine and Sen. Prof. Patrick Watson. Ms. Salisha Khan, Dr. Vidhya Gyan Tota-Maharaj and Mr. Rabindra Moonan were appointed to temporarily replace Senators Bharath, Ramnarine and Watson respectively during their absence from Trinidad and Tobago.

The Electronic Transactions Bill, 2011 and the Data Protection Bill, 2011 were brought from the House of Representatives. In both instances leave was granted for the next stage of the Bill to be taken on Tuesday March 1, 2011.

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

One question qualified for oral answer. The question was answered.

The Minister of Finance moved the second reading of the Statutory Authorities (Amendment) Bill, 2010. Sen. Pennelope Beckles-Robinson was first to respond, followed by Sen. Dr. James Armstrong and the Minister of Public Utilities. Eight Senators made contributions before the Minister of Finance rose to conclude. The Bill was then considered in Committee and passed without amendments. It was then read a third time and passed.

The Minister of National Security moved the second reading of the Miscellaneous Provisions (Kidnapping and Bail) Bill, 2010. Sen. Fitzgerald Hinds was first to respond, followed by Sen. Subhas Ramkhelawan and Sen. Lyndira Oudit. 11 Senators made contributions before debate was suspended.

At the next sitting, Private Business will take precedence.