The President of the Senate granted Leave of Absence to Sen. Prof. Ramesh Deosaran. Ms. Althea Rocke was appointed to temporarily replace Sen. Prof. Deosaran during his absence from Trinidad and Tobago.

One Paper was laid by the Attorney General. See the Order Paper.

Eight Questions qualify for Oral Answer. Three questions were answered (91,150,151) and the rest deferred. See the Order Paper for details.

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

Sen. Wade Mark made a personal explanation pertaining to statements which he made during his contribution on October 1, 2009 on the Commissions of Enquiry (Validation and Immunity from Proceedings) Bill, 2009. Sen Mark indicated that he subsequently realised that the information he proffered was, in fact, inaccurate and apologized to the Senate. Subsequently, the President of the Senate announced that Sen. Laurel Lezama would replace Sen. Linus Rogers when the Committee of Privileges of the Senate dealt with the matter raised by Sen. Rogers.

The Minister of Trade and Industry and Minister in the Ministry of Finance moved the Second Reading of the President’s Emoluments (Amendment) Bill, 2009. Some nine Senators made interventions before the Minister concluded the debate. The Bill was then considered in Committee and passed without amendment.

At its next sitting, the Senate is expected to debate the Tobacco Control Bill, 2009. Before adjourning several Senators extended Divali greetings to the people of Trinidad and Tobago. The sitting adjourned at approximately 5:55 p.m.