PM Rowley missing today’s launch of

Senior Political Reporter

Prime Minister Keith Rowley, who is overseas, will not be back in time for this afternoon’s launch of the fifth and final session of the 12th Parliament.

But the House of Representatives begins work immediately with debate on a bill for T&T to meet Global Forum obligations. This was confirmed by Leader of Government’s House business Camille Robinson-Regis yesterday.

The Senate also begins the fifth session this afternoon with a sitting simultaneously with the House. However, the Senate will not debate any bills.

Today’s launch will also not be a ceremonial opening, which involves a military guard of honour and an address by the President to a joint gathering of both Houses.

Instead, the Senate and House will each sit at 1.30 pm in their respective southern and northern chambers of the Red House.

The respective Clerks of the Senate and House will read the proclamation launching the fifth session. The proclamation includes a provision for virtual participation by any absent Parliamentarian who needs that facility. Each House then begins business.

Rowley left on September 1 for a medical check-up in the US. He’s expected back next week.

It couldn’t be confirmed yesterday if a 2025 Budget delivery date might be announced at today’s sitting, or when the Prime Minister returns.

Neither Rowley nor Opposition leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar were present for last Monday’s House sitting for the fourth session either.

UNC officials said Persad-Bissessar is expected at today’s sitting, where debate will be done on the bill to meet Global Forum obligations on transparency on tax exchange agreements and other matters. It amends 17 other laws to facilitate this.

Government had projected to become compliant or largely compliant with GF standards by December.

The bill, which can be passed with Government votes alone, will be piloted by Finance Minister Colm Imbert.

UNC officials projected Persad-Bissessar may speak in debate.

Estranged UNC MP Rushton Paray, UNC’s spokesman on business issues, said he received notification on the bill but didn’t say if he’d speak in debate. He’d said earlier that he was prepared to speak on all bills once notified.

Also on the House’s agenda for future debate is a bill which creates divisions in the judiciary to handle civil matters a Civil Division); for specified civil matters (a Civil Court); for small-valued claims (Small Claims Court) and for estates administration business (Estates Administration Office). Also listed are the two Tobago autonomy bills

Today’s Senate sitting is expected to be short, since no bills will be debated, Government senators said.

The “Global Forum” bill is on the Senate’s agenda for future debate after passage in the House.

Also listed for the Senate ahead are bills which were brought from the last session: to establish the Private Security Service Authority and regulate the private security industry; to amend the Supplemental Police Act; and to amend the Sexual Offences Act.

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