Leave of absence was granted to Sen. the Hon. Fazal Karim, Sen. the Hon. Rudrawatee Nan Gosine-Ramgoolam, Sen. Kevin Ramnarine and Sen. Pennelope Beckles. Mr. Kevin Bhagaloo, Archbishop Barbara Gray-Burke, Dr. Vidyha Gyan Tota-Maharaj and Mr. Mariano Browne were appointed to replace Senators Karim, Gosine-Ramgoolam, Ramnarine and Beckles during their absence.

Six Questions qualify for oral answer. See the Order Paper.

The Leader of Government Business sought and obtained leave to deal with Government Business instead of Private Business.

The Attorney General moved the second reading of the Financial Intelligence Unit of Trinidad and Tobago (Amendment)(No. 2) Bill 2011. Sen. Faris Al-Rawi was first to enter the debate, followed by Sen. Dr. Rolph Balgobin, the Minister of National Security, and Temporary Opposition Senator Mariano Browne. Eleven Senators made contributions before the Attorney General rose to conclude. The Bill was considered in Committee and passed without amendments. It was then read a third time and passed by a margin of 27 for, none against, one abstention.

The Minister of Planning, Economic and Social Restructuring and Gender Affairs moved the second reading of the Census (2011)(Extension and Validation) Bill, 2011. Sen. Dr. Lester Henry was first to enter the debate, followed by Sen. Dr. Rolph Balgobin, Sen. Prof. Patrick Watson and Sen. Faris Al-Rawi. Seven Senators made contributions before the Minister rose to conclude. The Bill was considered in Committee and passed without amendment. It was then read a third time and passed by a majority of 27 for, none against, no abstentions.

At the next sitting, debate is expected to begin on the Anti-Gang Bill, 2010, the Bail (Amendment) Bill, 2010 and, time permitting, the Trafficking in Persons Bill, 2011. The sitting adjourned at 9:36 p.m.