The President indicated that a letter of sympathy would be sent to the Japanese Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago on behalf of the Members of the Senate following the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear reactor difficulties currently being experienced in that country.

The President of the Senate granted leave of absence to Sen. the Hon. Vasant Bharath and Sen. Helen Drayton. Mr. Rabindra Moonan and Mrs.Parvatee Anmolsingh-Mahabir were appointed to temporarily replace Senators Bharath and Drayton respectively.

The Leader of Government Business presented the report of the Joint Select Committee on the Anti Gang and Bail (Amendment) Bill, 2011, on behalf of the Attorney General.

Eight Questions qualify for oral answer. Two questions were answered before 2:15 p.m., the end of question period.

Two Questions qualify for written response. See the Order Paper.

The Minister of Planning, Economic and Social Restructuring and Gender Affairs moved a Motion to adopt the First Report of the Joint Select of the Joint Select Committee appointed to consider and report to Parliament on essential guiding policies related to Member and staff accommodation during the Restoration of the Red House Project. Sen. Faris Al-Rawi was first to join the debate, followed by Sen. Dr. James Armstrong, the Minister of Public Administration and Sen. Basharat Ali. The Minister of Planning then rose to conclude. The Motion was then approved and the report adopted.

The Minister of Health made a statement updating the House on the state of the health care system in Trinidad and Tobago.

The Minister of Public Administration moved the second reading of the Electronic Transactions Bill, 2011. Sen. Dr. Lester Henry was the first to enter the debate, followed by Sen. Dr. Rolph Balgobin and Sen. Prof. Patrick Watson.

At the next sitting, Private Business will take precedence. The sitting adjourned at 10:27 p.m.