The Vice-President granted leave of absence to Sen. Helen Drayton from today’s sitting. Citing the guidelines for broadcasting, The Vice-President also caused to be read into the record a response by Mr. Stephen Singh (Country Manager/Partner of Lex Caribbean Ltd.) to statements made by Senator Wade Mark during his contribution on the Appropriation Bill, 2009. During Senator Mark’s contribution, reference was made to Lex Caribbean.

One Paper was laid by the Minister in the Ministry of Finance. See the Order Paper for details.

Debate resumed, from Wednesday October 8, 2008, on the Appropriation Bill, 2009, with the Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Health being first to contribute. In all some three members entered the debate before the Minister in the Ministry of Finance began his wind-up. The Bill was later read a third time and passed.

At its next sitting the Senate will debate the Pensions (Amendment)(No.2) Bill, 2008, the Teachers’ Pensions (Amendment) Bill, 2008 and the Assisted Secondary School Teachers’ Pensions (Amendment) Bill, 2008. The Senate adjourned at 5:22 p.m.