senate

Sittings

45th Sitting of the Senate

2nd Session - 9th Republican Parliament

Tuesday 29 December, 2009
10:00 AM
Announcements By The President/Vice-President
Leave of Absence

The President granted leave of absence to Sen. Lyndira Oudit (illness). Mr.Raphael Cumberbatch was appointed to temporarily replace Sen. Ouudit during her period of absence.

Bills Brought From The House Of Representatives
The Property Tax Bill, 2009

The Property Tax Bill, 2009 and the Valuation of Land (Amendment) Bill, 2009, which were passed in the House of Representatives on Monday December 21, 2009, were read a first time in the Senate. The Minister of Trade and Industry and Minister in the Ministry of Finance moved that the next stage of the Bills be taken later in the proceedings. Leave was granted.

Papers
Seven Papers

Seven Papers were laid. See the Order Paper for details.

Presentation Of Reports From Select Committees
The Local Government Bill, 2009

The Minister of Health presented the Report of the Joint Select Committee on the Local Government Bill, 2009. The Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister presented the Report of the Special Select Committee on the Securities Bill, 2009.

Questions To Ministers: Oral Answer
Seven Questions

Seven Questions qualify for oral answer. All questions were deferred to the next sitting. See the Order Paper.

Questions To Ministers: Written Answer
Ten Questions

Ten Questions qualify for written answer. See the Order Paper.

Motions Relating To The Business Or Sittings Of The House And Moved By A Minister Or Parliamentary Secretary
Request to debate Bills together

The Minister of Trade and Industry and Minister in the Ministry of Finance sought leave to debate the Property Tax Bill, 2009 and the Valuation of Land (Amendment) Bill, 2009 together. Leave was not granted.

Government Business: Bills Second Reading
The Valuation of Land (Amendment) Bill, 2009

The Minister of Trade and Industry and Minister in the Ministry of Finance moved the second reading of the Valuation of Land (Amendment) Bill, 2009. Sen. Wade Mark was first to contribute followed by Sen. Basharat Ali and Sen. Dr. Sharon-Ann Gopaul-McNicol. A total of 13 members made interventions before the Minister rode to wind up. The Bill was considered in committee and passed without amendment. It was then read a third time and passed by a division of 16 for, 12 against and two abstentions.

Government Business: Bills Second Reading
The Property Tax Bill, 2009

The Minister of Trade and Industry and Minister in the Ministry of Finance moved the second reading of the Property Tax Bill, 2009. Senator Wade Mark was first to enter the debate, followed by Sen. Prof. Ramesh Deosaran and Sen. Dr. Sharon-Ann Gopaul-McNicol. Five Senators made interventions before debate was suspended.

Adjournment
The Senate adjourned to Wednesday December 30, 2009 at 1:30 p.m.

At its next sitting, the Senate is expected to continue debate on the Property Tax Bill, 2009.