By FRANCIS JOSEPH
The Senate passed the Appropriation (Financial Year – 2027) Bill, 2026 in one day!
After ten hours of debate, when the question was put by Senate President, Wade Mark, “the ayes” had it. No one objected and the Bill was passed late on Monday night.
While the House of Representatives took several days to debate the Bill, and the Standing Finance Committee went over the various Heads over five days, the Senate took one day with 16 speakers.
Minister of Finance, Davendranath Tancoo, delivered his Budget speech in the House of Representatives on October 12. Leader of the Opposition, Pennelope Beckles-Robinson replied on October 16. Thereafter, the debate started.
There were 13 speakers on October 16, 20 on October 17, and eight more on October 19, with Tancoo winding up later in the day.
The Standing Finance Committee deliberations were held between October 20 and 24.
On Monday, Dr Kennedy Swaratsingh, Minister of Planning, Economic Affairs, and Development, opened the debate.
The other speakers in the Senate were: Senator Vishnu Dhanpaul, Senator Dr Marlene Attzs, Senator Alicia Lalite-Ettienne, Senator Anil Roberts, Senator Dr Margaret Rose, Senator Dr Desiree Murray, Senator Melanie Roberts-Radgman, Senator Francis Lewis, Senator Faris Al Rawi SC, Senator Dr Amery Browne, Senator Foster Cummings, Senator David Nakhid, Senator Sophia Chote SC, Senator Anthony Vieira SC, Senator John Jeremie SC, with Dr Swaratsingh winding up.
