Leave of absence was granted to Sen. Jayanti Lutchmedial, who is ill.

The Finance Bill, 2020 was brought from the House of Representatives in the name of the Minister of Finance. The Leader of Government Business moved that the next stage of the Bill be taken later in the proceedings. The motion was approved.

Thirteen papers were laid. See Order Paper for details.

Four reports were presented.

Five urgent questions were posed.

Thirteen questions qualified for oral answer. Questions #44 and #46 were deferred for two weeks.

Sen. Jearlean John offered a personal explanation regarding an article by the Newsday on statements she made about Sen. Dr. Dillon-Remy, following Sen. Dillon-Remy’s vote for a bill. Sen. John apologized to Sen. Dillon-Remy, the President of the Senate and the Senate.

The President of the Senate ruled that in light of Sen. John’s apology, the matter will not be referred to the Committee of Privileges.

The Leader of Government Business moved that extensions be granted to four Committees in order for the Committees to complete their work. These included an extension for the JSC on the Fisheries Management (No. 2) Bill, 2020 to July 31, 2021, an extension to the JSC on The Miscellaneous Provisions (Local Government Reform) Bill, 2020 to March 31, 2021, an extension for the JSC on The Representation of the People (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2020 to June 30, 2021 and an extension to the JSC on The Cannabis Control Bill, 2020 to March 31, 2021. These motions were approved.

Mr. Eli Zakour was appointed temporary Senator in place of Sen. Lutchmedial. Mr. Zakour took the oath of allegiance.

The Minister of Finance, Hon. Colm Imbert, MP, moved the second reading of The Finance Bill, 2020. Debate began on the Bill. The Bill was not committed to a Committee of the Whole Senate. With 23 votes for, 0 votes against and 7 abstentions, the Bill was read a third time and passed.

Sen. Wade Mark raised a matter on the adjournment regarding the escalation of food prices. The Minister of Trade and Industry and Enterprise Development, Sen. the Hon. Paula Gopee-Scoon, responded.

The Senate brought greetings to the nation on the celebration of Christmas. The Sitting concluded at 4:53 p.m. The Senate adjourned to a date to be fixed.