Leave of absence was granted to Sen. the Hon. Donna Cox, Sen. the Hon. Paula Gopee-Scoon and Sen. Anil Roberts. Mr. Vyash Nandlal, Mr. Taharqa Obika and Dr. Tim Gopeesingh were appointed temporary senators in their place.

Temporary senators Nandlal, Obika and Gopeesingh took the oath of allegiance.

Tributes were paid to Prof. Harold Ramkissoon, who passed away on November 15, 2024. Prof. Ramkissoon served as an Independent Senator during the 10th Republican Parliament. A minute of silence was observed.

The Miscellaneous Provisions [Proceeds of Crime, Anti-Terrorism, Financial Intelligence Unit of Trinidad and Tobago, Securities, Insurance, Non-Profit Organisations, Civil Asset Recovery and Management and Unexplained Wealth and Miscellaneous Provisions (FATF Compliance)] Bill, 2024 was brought from the House of Representatives in the name of the Minister of Finance. The Leader of Government Business, Sen. Dr. Amery Browne, moved a motion that the next stage of the bill be taken on Friday November 29, 2024.

The Finance Bill, 2024 was also brought from the House of Representatives in the name of the Minister of Finance. The Leader of Government Business, Sen. Dr. Amery Browne, moved a motion that the next stage of the bill be taken on Friday November 29, 2024.

Both motions were approved.

Thirty-four papers were laid. See Order Paper for details.

Three reports were presented. See Order Paper.

Nine questions qualified for oral answer. Eight questions were answered. Question #1 was deferred for two weeks.

Opposition Senator Wade Mark moved a private motion on tabling the agreement between CLICO and CEL for the sale of the MHIL shares. The Minister of Finance was first to respond, followed by Sen. Damian Lyder and Sen. Dr. Tim Gopeesingh. Sen. Wade Mark then arose to wind up the debate. The Minister of Finance, Hon. Colm Imbert, MP, concluded the debate under Standing Order 44.2. The motion was not approved.

Sen. Wade Mark raised a matter on the adjournment namely the failure of the Minister of Finance to approve the appointment of members of The Board of Customs Brokers and Customs Clerks Association and the negative impact on the Board’s operations over the past 6 months. The Minister of Finance, Hon. Colm Imbert, MP, responded.

Sen. Mark raised a second matter on the adjournment namely the decline of the labour force participation rate and its impact on the national output and employment. The Leader of Government Business, Sen. the Hon. Dr. Amery Browne, responded.

The Sitting concluded at 6:53 p.m.