House to debate EBC report

THE HOUSE of Representatives will meet today at 1.30 pm to continue debate on the report of the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC), which recommends that there be an additional three constituencies in Trinidad, bringing the number to 39 from 36. Debate on the report got underway last Wednesday, but was ignored after Siparia MP Kamla Persad-Bissessar read a letter from PNM Councillor Dansam Dhansook to Prime Minister Patrick Manning alleging bribes paid to Energy Minister Eric Williams and Works and Transport Minister Franklin Khan.

The House, as listed on the Order Paper, is also expected to approve the Senate amendments to the Tourism Development Bill. Prime Minister Patrick Manning is expected to be back at today’s session following his return from  a Latin American tri-nation tour. The Senate will sit tomorrow at 1.30 pm. There are several questions deferred for the last three weeks for answer according to the Order Paper. Also listed is a motion to approve the granting of privileges and immunities to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) and the Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission (RJLSC). Attorney General John Jeremie is also expected to be back after he left the country on “private business.” Jeremie is said to be ill. Government has not outrightly denied the reports.