Sittings
45th Sitting of the Senate
2nd Session - 9th Republican Parliament
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.
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.
Seven Papers were laid. See the Order Paper for details.
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.
Seven Questions qualify for oral answer. All questions were deferred to the next sitting. See the Order Paper.
Ten Questions qualify for written answer. See the Order Paper.
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.
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.
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.
At its next sitting, the Senate is expected to continue debate on the Property Tax Bill, 2009.