The President granted leave to Sen. Subhas Ramkhelawan. Prof. David Picou was appointed to temporarily replace Sen. Ramkhelawan during his absence from Trinidad and Tobago.

Two Senate Special Select Committee Reports, the first on the Tobacco Control Bill, 2008 and the second on the Trinidad and Tobago National Steel Symphony Orchestra Corporation Bill, 2008 were laid. See the Supplemental Order Paper for details.

Six Questions qualify for oral answer. One Question was answered. See the Order Paper for details.

One Question qualifies for written answer. See the Order Paper for details.

The Leader of Government Business moved in accordance with Standing Order 83(1) that Standing Order 75(7) be suspended to allow debate to take place on the Motion to adopt the Report of the Special Select Committee of the Senate on the Tobacco Control Bill, 2008. When the Question was put to allow the Reports to be debated later in the proceedings, a division was taken, the result of which was 16 for, 12 against, no abstentions.

The Minister of Local Government moved the Second Reading of the Elections and Boundaries Commission (Local Government)(Amendment [Tobago House of Assembly] and Validation) Bill, 2008, which was passed in the House of Representatives on December 1, 2008. Debate then ensued, with Sen. Wade Mark being first to contribute, followed by Sen. Dana Seetahal, SC. In all, some 12 Senators made interventions before the Minister of Local Government rose to conclude the debate. The Bill was later passed with amendments by a division of 20 for, six against.

The Attorney General moved a Motion asking the Senate to adopt the Reports of the Special Select Committee of the Senate – The Trinidad and Tobago National Steel Symphony Orchestra Corporation Bill, 2008. Sen. Dr. Jennifer Kernahan made a brief intervention before the Attorney General concluded.

Before the Sitting was adjourned the Leader of Government Business (Sen. the Hon. Conrad Enill) indicated that the Tobacco Control Bill would be reintroduced in the next session and taken through all its stages. Sen. Enill, Sen. Wade Mark, Sen. Prof. Ramesh Deosaran and the President of the Senate extended best wishes for the Christmas season. The sitting ended at approximately 7:33 p.m.