House of Representatives

Sittings

31st Sitting of the House of Representatives

1st Session - 10th Republican Parliament

Friday 18 February, 2011
1:30 PM
Announcements By The Speaker/Deputy Speaker
Leave of Absence

The Speaker granted leave of absence to the Member for Naparima from today’s sitting.

Speaker's Ruling
Matter of Privilege

The Speaker ruled on a matter of privilege raised by the member for Caroni East against the member for Diego Martin North/East. He ruled that a prima facie case had not been established.

Announcements By The Speaker/Deputy Speaker
Non Recognition of Member

The Speaker made a statement concerning allegations made that he intentionally chose to deny a Member from speaking.

Bills Brought From The Senate
The Statutory Authorities (Amendment) Bill, 2010

The Statutory Authorities (Amendment) Bill, 2010, which was passed in the Senate on Tuesday February 15, 2011, was read a first time in the House of Representatives in the name of the Minister of Finance.

Papers
Two Papers

Two Papers were laid. See the Order Paper and Supplemental Order Paper.

Presentation Of Reports From Select Committees
Special Report of the Committee of Privileges of the House of Representatives

One report was presented. The Speaker sought concurrence of the House to have this item taken later in the proceedings, which was granted. View the Report here.

Questions To Ministers: Oral Answer
One Question

One Question qualifies for oral answer. The question was answered. See the Order Paper.

Questions To Ministers: Written Answer
One Question

The response to the one question for written answer was circulated. See the Order Paper.

Statements By Ministers
Dereliction of Duty by Police Officers

The Prime Minister made a statement on the Government’s response to the decision of several police officers to not show up for duty. The Prime Minister also highlighted the appointment of Colonel Albert Adolphus Griffith to head the Security Services Agency.

Introduction Of Bills
Four Bills

The Exchequer and Audit (Amendment) Bill, 2011, the Valuation of Land (Amendment) Bill, 2011, the Lands and Buildings Taxes Bill, 2011 and the Taxes Exemption Bill, 2011 were introduced in the name of the Minister of Finance.

Government Business: Bills Second Reading
The Constitution (Amendment)(Capital Offences) Bill, 2011

The Attorney General moved the second reading of the Constitution (Amendment)(Capital Offences) Bill, 2011. The Opposition Chief Whip was the first to respond, followed by the Minister of Legal Affairs and the Member for Laventille West.

Private Business: Bills Second Reading
The Way of Trinidad and Tobago (Incorporation) Bill, 2011

The Way of Trinidad and Tobago (Incorporation) Bill, 2011 was read a second time. The Speaker appointed five members to serve on a Special Select Committee to consider the bill. The Members are Dr. Fuad Khan (Chairman), Mr. Rodger Samuel, Dr. Lincoln Douglas, Ms. Joanne Thomas and Ms. Alicia Hospedales.

Matter On The Adjournment
Appointment of Director of the FIU

The Member for Diego Martin North/East raised as a matter on the Motion for the Adjournment of the House, “irregularities in the appointment of the Director of the FIU.” The Attorney General responded.

Matter On The Adjournment
Diego Martin Highway Improvement Project

The Member for Diego Martin North/East raised a second matter, the need for further clarification by the Minister of Works and Transport on the status of the Diego Martin Highway Improvement Project (Powder Magazine to Four Roads/Petit Valley).” The Minister of Works and Transport responded.

Adjournment
The House adjourns to Wednesday February 23, 2011 at 1:30 p.m.

At the next sitting of the House, debate is expected to continue on the Constitution (Amendment)(Capital Offences) Bill, 2011. The sitting adjourned at 9:47 p.m.