The Vice-President of the Senate granted leave of absence to Sen. the Hon. Therese Baptiste-Cornelis and Sen. David Abdulah. Mr. Shane Mohammed and Mrs. Lynette Abraham were appointed to temporarily replace Senators Baptiste-Cornelis and Abdulah respectively.

Eight Papers were laid. See the Order Paper and Supplemental Order Paper.

The Minister of the People and Social Development moved the second reading of the Senior Citizens’ Grant (Amendment and Validation) Bill, 2010, which was passed in the House of Representatives on Friday July 30, 2010. Sen. Fitzgerald Hinds was first to enter the debate, followed by Sen. Basharat Ali. A total of 13 members made contributions, including maiden contributions from Sen. Patrick Watson, Sen. Danny Maharaj, Sen. Harold Ramkisson and Sen. Elton Prescott, SC, before the Minister rose to conclude the debate. The Bill was considered in Committee and passed without amendment. It was then read a third time and passed.

The Leader of Government Business in the Senate, the Leader of Opposition Business in the Senate and the Vice-President of the Senate extended sympathy for the persons affected by recent flooding. The sitting ended at 9:14 p.m.