Launch of Lecture Series
On Friday August 26, 2011 Members of the Planning Committee for the 50th Anniversary of Bicameralism Lecture series held a Press Conference at the Red House to inform the public about the upcoming lectures and the importance of the occasion. Hon. Wade Mark, Speaker of the House chaired the proceedings. Also at the head table were Committee Members Sen. the Hon. Timothy Hamel-Smith, President of the Senate, Independent Senator Corinne Baptiste-McKnight and MP for Laventille West Mr. NiLeung Hypolite.
The lectures will take place throughout Trinidad and Tobago, commencing in Tobago on Monday September 5, 2011 at 6 p.m. at the Mt. Irvine Bay Hotel and Golf Course Conference Room. Mr. Reginald Dumas, former diplomat and head of the Public Service will deliver a lecture on "Tobago and constitutional development in the context of the parliamentary process." A question and answer session will follow.
Between the months of September and December 2011, lectures by other distinguished academics will be held in Arima, Port-of-Spain, St. Augustine, San Fernando, Chaguanas and Point Fortin. A full schedule will be released on this site and on the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago Facebook Page.
Members of the public are cordially invited to attend and participate in this most historic event.
Update: On Monday December 5, 2011 at 10 a.m. at the Holy Trinity Cathedral, Abercromby Street, Port-of-Spain, there will be an Interfaith Service in commemoration of this event. His Excellency Prof. George Maxwell Richards, TC CMT Ph.D, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and Dr. Jean Ramjohn Richards, have consented to attend this event. Also invited are current and former members of Parliament, Members of the Judiciary, Members of the Diplomatic Corps and many others.
The lecture series will conclude with a gala event on Monday December 19, 2011 at 10 a.m. at the Aldwyn Roberts Lord Kitchener Auditorium of the National Academy for the Performing Arts when His Excellency the President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago will deliver a lecture on the topic "The role of the Head of State in a bicameral system of Governance: From Independence to the Present." This event is expected to be televised live on the Parliament Channel.
Lecture 1 (Completed)
Tobago and constitutional development in the context of the parliamentary process
Lecturer: Mr. Reginald Dumas, former Diplomat and Head of the Public Service
Venue: Mt. Irvine Bay Hotel Conference Room, Mt. Irvine, Tobago
Date: Monday September 5, 2011
Time: 6 p.m.to 8 p.m.
Lecture 2 (Completed)
From Legislative Council to House of Representatives: promoting or hindering democracy
Lecturer: Dr. Kirk Meighoo
Venue: Arima Town Hall, Sorzano St., Arima
Date: Wednesday September 28, 2011
Time: 7 p.m.to 9 p.m.
Lecture 3 (Completed)
The effectiveness of Parliament as an organ of the State in scrutinizing executive action
Lecturer: Dr. Rhoda Reddock
Venue: Learning Resource Centre, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus
Date: Wednesday October 12, 2011
Time: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Lecture 4 (Completed)
From Unicameralism to Bicameralism
Lecturer: Dr. Brinsley Samaroo
Venue: Port-of-Spain City Hall, Knox Street, Port-of-Spain
Date: Monday October 24, 2011
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Lecture 5 (Completed)
The relevance of the Senate in a modern democracy
Lecturer: Dr. Hamid Ghany
Venue: New Town Hall, Cumberbatch Street, Chaguanas
Date: Wednesday November 2, 2011
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Lecture 6 (Completed)
The role of political parties in the development of democracy in Trinidad and Tobago
Lecturer: Prof. Selwyn Ryan
Venue: City Hall Auditorium, San Fernando
Date: Wednesday November 16, 2011
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Interfaith Service (Completed)
Venue: Holy Trinity Cathedral, Abercromby Street, Port-of-Spain
Date: Monday December 5, 2011
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Lecture 7 (Completed)
Parliament and Constitutional Reform
Lecturer: Dr. Olabisi Kuboni
Venue: Point Fortin Town Hall
Date: Wednesday December 7, 2011
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Gala Event – Joint Assembly of the Senate and House of Representatives
The role of the Head of State in a Bicameral System of Governance: From Independence to the Present
Lecturer: His Excellency Prof. George Maxwell Richards, TC CMT, Ph.D, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
Venue: National Academy for the Performing Arts, Port-of-Spain
Date: Monday December 19, 2011
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Admission: By Invitation Only. Contact the Parliament Secretariat