MPs take football break

Less than two minutes after the House commenced at 1.30 pm, House Speaker Barry Sinanan indicated that "in lieu of the impending victory of Trinidad and Tobago," he had the feeling that Members of Parliament (MPs) would like to suspend the sitting until 2 pm. None of the MPs had any objections, and they hastily vacated the Parliamentary Chamber.

When the House resumed its sitting immediately after the Warriors victory, the congratulatory messages extended by Sinanan, Prime Minister Patrick Manning, Minister of Trade and Industry Ken Valley and Opposition MP Dr Hamza Rafeeq, were followed by a series of deskthumping from both Government and Opposition members.

However, the joy of this country’s historic win was mixed with some sadness, as representatives from both sides of the House were called upon to extend condolences to the families of founding member of the PNM Gerard Montano, and the father of MP for Nariva, Harry Partap.

The Prime Minister and Opposition Leader Basdeo Panday spoke on behalf of their respective parties.

The House will next sit tomorrow at 10.30 am, when a report on the crime discussions will be given.