The Vice-President of the Senate announced the absence of the President of the Senate, who is acting as President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Mr. Ndale Young was appointed temporary Senator in her place.

Temporary Senator, Mr. Ndale Young, took the oath of allegiance.

The Vice-President of the Senate announced appointments to Special Select Committees of the Senate.

Three papers were laid. See the Order Paper.

Two urgent questions were posed.

Three questions qualified for oral answer. Question #8 was deferred.

The Minister of Trade and Industry, Sen. the Hon. Paula Gopee-Scoon, moved the second reading of The Trinidad and Tobago Special Economic Zones Bill, 2021. Debate began on the bill with seven Senators making contributions before debate was suspended.

Sen. Wade Mark raised a matter on the adjournment regarding the need for Government to explain the arrangements with respect to the continuing acting employment of the Chief Executive Officer of Heritage Petroleum. The Leader of Government Business, Sen. the hon. Clarence Rambharat, responded.
Sen. Mark raised a second matter on the growing global food shortage and its potential negative impact on the people of Trinidad and Tobago. Sen. the Hon. Clarence Rambharat responded.

The Sitting concluded at 3:55 p.m.