The Vice-President granted leave of absence to Sen. the Hon. Dr. Amery Browne and Sen. Anthony Vieira. Ms. Yokymma Bethelmy and Mr. Josh Drayton were appointed to temporily replace Senators Browne and Viera during their absence. Later in the proceedings the Vice-President advised that the President of the Senate sought leave of absence from today’s sitting and that Mr. Michael Seales was appointed to temporarily replace Sen. Christine Kangaloo (President of the Senate).

One Paper was laid. See the Order Paper.

Three Questions on Notice qualify for oral answer. See the Order Paper

Debate resumed (from May 31, 2022) on the Miscellaneous Provisions (Local Government Reform) Bill, 2020 with Senator Charrise Seepersad being first to contribute, followed by Sen. Dr Maria Dillon-Remy and Sen. Amrita Deonarine. 12 Members made contributions on this day (21 over two days of debate) before the Minister of Rural Development and Local Government rose to wind up. The bill was then referred to a Committee of the Whole for consideration clause by clause. After consideration of one clause the Committee reported progress to the House. The Senate will resume Committee stage at the next Sitting.

Sen. Wade Mark raised a matter on the adjournment namely the need for the Government to address the poor terms and conditions nursing personnel in light of pending action to be taken by the Registered Nurses Association of T&T. The Leader of Government Business, Sen. the Hon. Paula Gopee-Scoon, responded.

Sen. Mark raised a second matter calling on the Government to provide reasons for the delay in the commencement of the Commission of Inquiry surrounding the death of four commercial divers on 25th February, 2022. The Attorney General, Sen. the Hon. Reginald Armour, responded.

The Senate adjourned to Tuesday June 14, 2022 at 1:30 p.m. at which time the Committee Stage of the Miscellaneous Provisions (Local Government Reform) Bill, 2020 is expected to resume. The Sitting ended at 6:37 p.m.