The Speaker congratulated all Members on being elected to the House of Representatives and indicated his intention to preside in accordance with the Standing Orders. Similar sentiments were echoed by the Leader of the House, the Leader of the Opposition and the Prime Minister.

Tributes were paid in the House to Mr. Desmond Allum, former member of the House (1991-1995) who passed away on June 18, 2010, by the Leader of the House, the Leader of the Opposition, and the Speaker of the House.

The Speaker updated the House of the condition of the Member for St. Joseph, who successfully negotiated quadruple bypass surgery. The Speaker indicated that an appropriate token would be sent to the Member at a later date.

The Speaker granted Leave of Absence to the Member for Point Fortin from today’s sitting.

29 Papers were laid. See the Order Paper and Supplemental Order Paper for details.

The Minister of Housing and the Environment made a statement on the illegal occupation of state lands in Cashew Gardens, Longdenville.

The Minister of Works and Transport made a statement on the Clean Up and Beautify Trinidad and Tobago campaign.

The Prime Minister moved a Motion to approve the Notification of the President of the nomination by the Police Service Commission of a Commissioner of Police and three Deputy Commissioners of Police. The Leader of the Opposition was first to enter the debate. The Prime Minister then rose to conclude. The notification for Commissioner was not approved, but those of the Deputy Commissioners were approved. On the question that the nomination for Mr. Jack Ewatski be approved a division was taken, the result of which was 28 members voting for, none against, and 11 abstentions.

At its next sitting, debate is expected on a Motion to approve the notification of the President of the nomination by the Police Service Commission of a candidate for the office of Commissioner of Police. The sitting ended at 3:57 p.m.

The Ayes Have It – June 25th 2010 from The Parliament Channel on Vimeo.