Leave of absence was granted to Sen. the Hon. Paula Gopee-Scoon and Sen. Khadijah Ameen, who are ill. Temporary Senators Augustus Thomas and Larry Lalla were appointed temporary Senators in their place.

Temporary Senators Thomas and Lalla took the oath of allegiance.

The President of the Senate informed of correspondence received from the Speaker of the House informing of the House’s decision to establish a Joint Select Committee to consider and report on the Representation of the People (Amendment) Bill, 2020.

The Real Estate Agents Bill, 2020 was brought from the House of Representatives in the name of the Attorney General.

Four papers were laid. See Order Paper for details.

Two urgent questions were posed and answered.

Three questions qualified for oral answer. All questions were answered.

The Acting Leader of Government Business moved a motion that the Senate concur with the House in the establishment of a JSC to consider and report on the Representation of the People (Amendment) Bill, 2020 and agree to the appointment of six Senators to the Committee. The motion was approved.

The Attorney General moved the second reading of the Copyright (Amendment) Bill, 2019. Debate began on the Bill. Following the debate, the Bill was committed to a Committee of the Whole Senate for consideration clause by clause. Amendments were made and approved. With 30 votes for, no votes against and no abstentions, the Bill was read a third time and passed.

Sen. Wade Mark raised a matter on the adjournment namely the failure of the Government to formulate and publicly articulate a plan of action for the growing uncertainty surrounding petrochemical plants at the Point Lisas Industrial Estate. The Acting Leader of Government Business, Sen. the Hon. Clarence Rambharat, responded.
Sen. Mark raised a second matter on the shortfall in supply of potable water to many communities in our country. The Minister of Public Utilities, Sen. the Hon. Robert Le Hunte, responded.

The Sitting concluded at 4:02 p.m. The Senate adjourned to Wednesday May 13, 2020 at 10:00 a.m.