The Vice-President of the Senate granted Leave of Absence to Sen. the Hon. Timothy Hamel Smith, Sen. David Abdulah and Sen. Dr. Rolph Balgobin. Mr. Sylvester P. Ramquar, Mrs. Lynette Abraham and Mrs. Parvatee Anmolsingh-Mahabir were appointed to temporarily replace Senators Hamel-Smith, Abdulah and Balgobin respectively.

The Bill, which was passed in the House of Representatives on July 30, 2010, was read a first time in the Senate. The Leader of Government Business moved that the next stage of the Bill be taken on Tuesday August 10, 2010. Leave was granted.

Four Papers were be laid. See the Order Paper and Supplemental Order Paper.

The Minister of National Security made a statement on the Torrential Flooding occasioned by heavy rainfall in Trinidad.

Senator Subhas Ramkhelawan moved a Private Motion which asks the Parliament to take steps to evaluate and maximize its efficiency and effectiveness. The Minister of Public Utilities was first to enter the debate, followed by Sen. Pennelope Beckles-Robinson. Debate on the Motion was then suspended.

At its next sitting, the Senate will debate the Senior Citizens’ Grant (Amendment and Validation) Bill, 2010. The sitting adjourned at 4:21 p.m.