Leave of absence was granted to Sen. Foster Cummings, who is ill. Mr. Sanjiv Boodhu was appointed temporary senator in his place.

Temporary Senator, Mr. Sanjiv Boodhu, took the oath of allegiance.

Three papers were laid. See Order Paper for details.

Fifteen questions qualified for oral answer. Questions #12, #13, #14 and #25 were deferred for two weeks. A written response will be provided for Question #10. All other questions were answered. See Order Paper.

The Minister of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development and Minister in the Ministry of Finance, Sen. the Hon. Dr. Kennedy Swaratsingh move a motion to confirm the Excise Duty (Tobacco Products) (Amendment) Order, 2025. He further moved that motions to confirm the Excise Duty (Alcoholic Beverages) (Amendment) Order, 2025, the Excise Duty (Tobacco Products) (Amendment) (No. 2) Order, 2025, the Excise Duty (Alcoholic Beverages) (Amendment) (No. 2) Order, 2025 and the Customs (Import Duty) (Caribbean Common Market) (Amendment) Order, 2025 be considered simultaneously. This was approved. Sen. Vishnu Dhanpaul was the first contributor to the debate. Five Senators made contributions before the Minister rose to conclude. All motions were approved.

Sen. Anthony Vieira raised a matter on the adjournment on the growing threat of deep fake, AI generated, audio visual manipulation. The Minister of Public Administration and Artificial Intelligence, Sen. the Hon. Dominic Smith, responded.

The Sitting concluded at 3:50 p.m.