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

Two Papers were laid. See the Order Paper.

All four Questions which qualified for oral answer were answered. See the Order Paper for details.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs made a statement regarding the visit of the Prime Minister and her delegation to Washington DC during the period April 2-April 7, 2011.

The Prime Minister made a statement in the House announcing that agreement had been arrived at between the Chief Personnel Officer and the Public Services Association.

The Minister of National Security moved the second reading of the Trafficking of Persons Bill, 2011. The Member for Point Fortin was the first to respond, followed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Debate on the Bill was then suspended.

The Leader of the House moved a Motion asking the House to approve the notification of the President of the nomination of Prof. Ramesh Deosaran to serve as a member of the Police Service Commission. The Leader of the Opposition made a brief intervention, followed by the Minister of Works and Transport. The Leader of the House then rose to conclude. The Motion was then approved.

The Member for Arouca/Maloney sought leave to raise as a definite matter of urgent public importance, the issue of the removal of extra-curricular activities in all schools throughout the country. The Deputy Speaker ruled that the matter did not qualify under Standing Order 12, but would qualify as a matter on the Motion for the Adjournment of the House.

Two Bills were introduced, the Financial Intelligence Unit of Trinidad and Tobago (Amendment)(No.2) Bill, 2011 and the Census (2011) (Extension and Validation) Bill, 2011.

The House adjourns to Wednesday April 13, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. At the next sitting, debate is expected to continue on the Trafficking in Persons Bill, 2011. Debate is expected to begin on the Census 2011 (Extension and Validation) Bill, 2011. Time permitting, debate is expected to begin on the Financial Intelligence Unit of Trinidad and Tobago (Amendment)(No.2) Bill, 2011. The sitting ended at 6:22 p.m.