The Vice-President of the Senate granted leave of absence to Sen. Shamfa Cudjoe. Mr. Deon Isaac was appointed to temporarily replace Senator Cudjoe during her absence from Trinidad and Tobago.

Two Papers are to be laid. See the Order Paper.

Debate on the budget for fiscal 2013 resumed from October 15, 2012. The Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment was the first to contribute, followed by Sen. Terrence Deyalsingh, Sen. Dr. Rolph Balgobin, and the Minister of Tertiary Education and Skills Training.

At the next sitting, debate is expected to continue on the Appropriation (Financial Year – 2013) Bill, 2012. The sitting adjourned at 9:59 p.m.