The Deputy Speaker granted leave of absence to the Members for La Horquetta/Talparo, Arouca/Lopinot, Diego Martin North/East and Trincity/Maloney.,

Dr. Aiyna Ali, MP [Deputy Speaker]

The Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill, 2026 was brought from the Senate in the name of the Minister of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development, who moved that the next stage of the bill be taken later in the proceedings.

Sen. the Hon. Dr. Kennedy Swaratsingh [Minister of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development and Minister in the Ministry of Finance]

There is one Prime Minister’s Question listed for oral answer. See the Order Paper.

Mr. Stuart Young SC, MP [Opposition Member]

Hon. Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC, MP [Prime Minister]

There is one urgent question listed for oral answer. See the Order Paper.

Mr. Stuart Young SC, MP [Opposition Member]

Hon. Dr. Lackram Bodoe, MP [Minister of Health]

The Deputy Speaker announced that there would be Statements by Ministers later in the proceedings.

The Leader of the House then announced changes to the membership of Select Committees as follows:

• on the JSC Energy Affairs, Mr. Clyde Elder for Mr. David Lee;
• on the JSC Foreign Affairs, Dr. Roodal Moonilal for Mr. Davendranath Tancoo, Mr. Barry Padarath for Mr. Wayne Sturge, and Mr. David Thomas for Mr. Clyde Elder;
• on the JSC Human Rights, Equality and Diversity, Dr. Narindra Roopnarine for Mr. Barry Padarath;
• on the JSC Land and Physical Infrastructure, Mr. Devesh Maharaj for Mr. Saddam Hosein;
• on the JSC State Enterprises, Mr. Hansen Narinesingh for Mr. Barry Padarath.

Hon. Barry Padarath, MP [Minister of Public Utilities and Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister]

The Minister of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development, Sen. the Hon. Dr. Kennedy Swaratsingh, moved the second reading of the Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill, 2026. Debate then began on the bill. The Bill was considered in Committee of the Whole and approved without amendment. It was then read a third time and passed.

Sen. the Hon. Dr. Kennedy Swaratsingh [Minister of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development and Minister in the Ministry of Finance]

Mr. Stuart Young SC, MP [Opposition Member]

Mr. Hansen Narinesingh, MP [Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Tertiary Education and Skills Training]

Mr. Dominic Romain, MP [Opposition Member]

Mrs. Shivanna Sam, MP [Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Public Utilities]

Mr. Hans Des Vignes, MP [Opposition Member]

Mr. Joel Sampson, MP [Member]

Mr. Keith Scotland SC, MP [Opposition Member]

The Prime Minister made a statement in the House on measures to be taken in the fight against crime, including the introduction and passage of a Special Operations Bill.

Hon. Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC, MP [Prime Minister]

One Paper was laid. See the Supplemental Order Paper.

Hon. Davendranath Tancoo, MP [Minister of Finance and Minister in the Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development]

The Special Operations Bill, 2026 was introduced in the name of the Attorney General, who moved that the next stage be taken on Friday September 18, 2026.

Sen. the Hon. John Jeremie SC [Attorney General]

At the next sitting, the House will consider the Special Operations Bill, 2026. The sitting ended at 6:18 p.m.