Leave of absence was granted to Sen. Anita Haynes, who is ill. Mr. Damian Lyder was appointed temporary Senator in her place.

The President of the Senate announced the seat of Robert Le Hunte vacant. Mr. Jason Williams was appointed Government Senator to fill the vacant seat.

Newly appointed Government Senator Jason Williams took the oath of allegiance.

Temporary Opposition Senator Lyder took the oath of allegiance.

One paper was laid. See Order Paper.

Three urgent questions were posed and answered.

Four questions qualified for oral answer. Question #96 was deferred for two weeks.

The Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Sen. the Hon. Clarence Rambharat, moved the second reading of The Animal (Diseases and Importation) (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. The Bill was read a third time and passed.

Sen. Wade Mark raised a matter on the need for Government to disclose the reason/s for the Prime Minister receiving the Vice-President of Venezuela at the Diplomatic Centre on March 27, 2020. The Minister of National Security responded.
Sen. Mark raised a second matter regarding the need for the Government to explain the conflicting information provided with regards to number of exemptions granted to land in T&T from March 23, 2020 and the number of persons who were part of the Venezuelan delegation which landed on March 27, 2020. Hon. Stuart Young, MP, responded.

The Sitting concluded at 7:00 p.m. The Senate adjourned to Wednesday May 20, 2020 at 10:00 a.m.