Leave of absence was granted to Hon. Dr. Lackram Bodoe, MP for Oropouche West and Mr. Stuart Young, MP for Port of Spain North / St. Ann’s West from today’s Sitting of the House. Leave was also granted to Hon. Devesh Maharaj, MP for Aranguez / St. Joseph, from sittings of the House during the period September 30 – October 2, 2026.

Hon. Jagdeo Singh [Speaker of the House]

Six Papers were laid. See the Order Paper.

Hon. Roger Alexander, MP [Minister of Homeland Security]

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

Three Questions on Notice qualified for oral answer on the Order Paper. All questions were answered.

Mr. Marvin Gonzales, MP [Opposition Member]

Hon. Roger Alexander, MP [Minister of Homeland Security]

The Miscellaneous Provisions (Alcohol, Cannabis, Dangerous Drugs, Gambling and Tobacco) Bill, 2026 was introduced by the Attorney General, who moved that the next stage be taken later in the proceedings. The motion was approved.

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

The Minister of Homeland Security, Hon. Roger Alexander, MP, moved two motions to approve the notification of the President of the Nomination by the Police Service Commission of Mr. Junior Benjamin to act in the office of Commissioner of Police and of Mr. Anand Ramesar to act in the office of Deputy Commissioner of Police. Mr. Marvin Gonzales was the sole contributor to the debate. Both motions were approved.

Hon. Roger Alexander, MP [Minister of Homeland Security]

Mr. Marvin Gonzales, MP [Opposition Member]

The Minister of Finance, Hon. Davendranath Tancoo, MP, moved a motion to approve the Gambling (Gaming and Betting) (Remote Gambling) Order, 2026. Mr. Keith Scotland, MP, was the sole contributor to the motion. The motion was approved unanimously.

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

Mr. Keith Scotland SC, MP [Opposition Member]

The Attorney General moved the second reading of the Miscellaneous Provisions (Alcohol, Cannabis, Dangerous Drugs, Gambling and Tobacco) Bill, 2026. Debate began on the bill. Ten members contributed to the debate before the wind up by the Attorney General. The bill was committed to the Committee of the Whole for consideration clause by clause. The bill was approved with amendments. With 23 votes for, 10 votes against and no abstentions, the bill was read a third time and passed.

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

Mr. Hans Des Vignes, MP [Opposition Member]

Hon. Phillip Watts, MP [Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs]

Mr. Colm Imbert, MP [Opposition Member]

Hon. Wayne Sturge, MP [Minister of Defence and Minister in the Ministry of Homeland Security]

Mr. Dominic Romain, MP [Opposition Member]

Hon. Vandana Mohit, MP [Minister of the People, Social Development and Family Services]

Hon. Pennelope Beckles-Robinson, MP [Leader of the Opposition]

Hon. Dr. Roodal Moonilal, MP [Minister of Energy and Energy Affairs]

Mr. Keith Scotland SC, MP [Opposition Member]

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

The Minister of Culture and Community Development, Hon. Michelle Benjamin, MP, made a statement on the passing of cultural icon, Slinger Francisco, also known as the “Mighty Sparrow”.

Hon. Michelle Benjamin, MP [Minister of Culture and Community Development]

The Sitting concluded at 11:16 p.m.