Leave of absence was granted to Sen. the Hon. Dennis Moses and Sen. Wade Mark. Mr. Ndale Young and Mr. Brian Baig were appointed temporary Senators in their absence.

Temporary Senators Ndale Young and Brian Baig took the oath of allegiance.

The President announced appointment of Senators to Sessional Select Committees.

Six Papers were laid. See the Order Paper.

One urgent question was posed.

Nine questions qualified for oral answer. Question #24 was deferred for two weeks. See the Order Paper.

Sen. Anita Haynes made a request for leave to move the adjournment of the Senate on a definite matter of urgent public importance namely the failure of the Government to inform the public of any plan to ensure the future viability of Petrotrin employees Pension Plan and any guarantees that eligible Petrotrin workers will receive the pensions they were promised. The President was not satisfied that this matter qualified under this Standing Order.
Sen. Taharqa Obika also raised a matter namely the failure of the Government to properly manage the impending closure of the Augustus Long Hospital which will cause severe distress to the
lives of Petrotrin employees, retirees and their families. The President was not satisfied that this matter qualified under this Standing Order.

The National Emblems of Trinidad and Tobago (Regulation) (Amendment) Bill, 2018 will be introduced in the name of the Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries.

The Leader of Government Business moved a motion to appoint various Senators to a number of Joint Select Committees. The motion was approved.

Private Members’ business took precedence at this Sitting. Opposition Senator Gerald Ramdeen moved a motion calling on the Senate to condemn the actions of the Government in closing the Petrotrin refinery. Debate began on the motion.

Sen. Taharqa Obika raised a matter on the adjournment regarding the negative impact of Southern Main Road to Point Fortin. The Minister of Works and Transport responded.
Sen. Varma Deyalsingh raised a matter regarding the need for the Government to grant exemptions from VAT and import duties on flood protection devices and personal items to those affected by the recent floods. Sen. the Hon. Allyson West responded.

The Sitting concluded at 6:33 p.m. The Senate adjourned to Tuesday December 4, 2018 at 1:30 p.m.