Monday, March 24 2008

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Newsday flies high: A Newsday reader proudly displays the mad bull kite he made from copies of his favourite newspaper during 90.5 FM's kite flying co...

THE SENATE has the unenviable distinction of holding its first sitting after Easter on April Fools’ Day (April 1) at 1.30 pm for Private Members’ Day. The House of Representatives holds its first sitting after Easter on Friday and that sitting will also be Private Members’ Day.

Given the fact that April 1 is renowned worldwide for unexpected practical jokes and hoaxes, it remains to be seen whether the Senate’s 31 members will be able to keep straight faces or if any of them might indulge in pranks.

April Fools’ Day originated in France in 1582 when Pope Gregory XIII ordered a new calender which called for New Year’s Day to be celebrated on January 1, prompting people to play tricks on those who stuck to the old calender which celebrated New Year’s Day as April 1.

Sources yesterday said a motion that was passed in the Lower House on March 14 to appoint two parliamentary joint select committees (JSCs) could be debated in the Senate next Tuesday.

Opposition Leader Basdeo Panday yesterday said the UNC Alliance has not decided which of its members will sit on these JSCs which are devoid of Independent senators. Panday said that a decision would be taken by the UNC A’s parliamentary caucus shortly after Parliament reconvenes.

One JSC (Muncipal and Service Corporations) comprises Deputy Speaker of the Lower House Pennelope Beckles, Sports Minister Gary Hunt, Tobago West MP Stanford Callender and La Brea MP Fitzgerald Jeffrey. The second JSC (Municipal Corporations/ Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises) comprises Beckles, St Ann’s East MP Anthony Roberts, Public Utilities Minister Mustapha Abdul-Hamid and Labour Minister Rennie Dumas.

The Opposition is allowed two members on each of these committees.

Friday’s sitting of the Lower House is not expected to be a laughing matter for any MP as debate continues on a private motion by Cumuto/Manzanilla MP Harry Partap on rising food prices. The Opposition has a total of 24 questions to the Government for oral answer on Friday’s Order Paper.