The Vice President of the Senate granted leave of absence to Sen. the Hon. Devant Maharaj who is out of the country.

The Vice President then read a letter from the President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago appointing Mr. Garvin Nicholas to serve as a Temporary Senator Senator during the absence of the Minister of Food Production. The Oath of Allegiance as a New Senator was then administered to Mr. Garvin Nicholas. Sen. Daniel Solomon, Sen. Keitha Smith and Sen. Dr. Sharon Le Gall continued to serve as Temporary Senators for today’s sitting.

Three Papers were laid by the Leader of Government Business in the name of the Minister of Finance and the Economy. See the Order Paper.

The Leader of Government Business moved the motion (asking for concurrence) that the Senate agree to the establishment of a Joint Select Committee to consider the Draft Houses of Parliament Service Authority Bill and further agree that the following Senators be appointed to serve on the Committee: Mr. Timothy Hamel Smith; Mr. Anand Ramlogan, S.C.; Mr. Emmanuel George; Mrs. Camille Robinson-Regis; and Mr. Elton Prescott, S.C. The Leader of Government Business also moved that the Senate agree to the establishment of a Joint Select Committee to deal with the to consider the legislative framework for Election Campaign Financing and further agree that the following Senators be appointed to serve on the Committee: Mr. Ganga Singh; Mr. Anand Ramlogan, S.C.; Dr. Bhoendradatt Tewarie; Mrs. Camille Robinson-Regis; Mrs. Helen Drayton and Mr. Elton Prescott, S.C.

The Prime Minister moved the 2nd reading of the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2014. Sen. Faris Al-Rawi was the first to join the debate followed by Sen. Helen Drayton. Sen. the Hon. Dr. Bhoendradatt Tewarie was next to offer his contribution followed by Sen. Diane Baldeo-Chadeesingh, Sen. Dr. Rolph Balgobin, Sen. the Hon. Larry Howai, Sen. Avinash Singh and Sen. Dr. Victor Wheeler.

The Vice President of the Senate opened way for members to pay tribute to Ainsley Mark, the former Vice-President of the Senate during the Fourth Republican Parliament (1992 to 1995). Sen. the Hon. Emmanuel George was the first to make his remarks on behalf of the Government Bench, followed by Sen. Camille Robinson-Regis on behalf of the Opposition and Sen. H.R. Ian Roach on behalf of the Independent Bench. As a mark of respect the Senate observed a minute silence in tribute to Mr. A. Mark.

The Leader of Government Business moved that the Senate be adjourned to Wednesday August 27th, 2014 at 11:00 a.m.