PM moves motion today for cocoa programme

A motion is expected to be moved today, Tuesday, November 22, in the House of Assembly, for support of the cocoa programme.{{more}}

The motion will be moved by Minister of Finance and Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves and follows up on the initial work done here to develop a sustainable cocoa industry, as government seeks to further diversify the agricultural sector.

Another motion is expected to be moved by Senator David Browne on private sector development.

This motion is expected to be seconded by Senator Elvis Charles to further enhance private sector development in the country.

Three Bills are expected to get their first reading: the International Cooperation (Tax Information Exchange Agreements) Bill, 2011; the Insurance Amendment Bill and the Immigration (Restriction) Amendment Bill.

Reports are expected on two other Bills, currently before the select committees: the Financial Services Authority Bill and the controversial Representation of the People (Amendment) Bill.

Progress on the designation of 2012 as the International Year of Cooperatives continues, as Minister of Cooperatives Frederick Stephenson is expected to put forward a resolution to declare the activity to round up the orders of the day.

Twenty questions, put forward by members of the opposition, are down for oral answers, including the fiscal out-turn of the country for the period January to October 31, 2011, as compared with the corresponding period for last year.

Leader of the Opposition Arnhim Eustace will put forward a follow up question on the progress made in the acquisition of the Life Insurance Portfolio of British American Insurance Company.

Eustace and area representative for the Northern Grenadines Dr Godwin Friday are expected to put questions to the Minister of Agriculture Montgomery Daniel on the proposed action for the next nine months and what is being done to assure farmers that the Ministry is doing all it can to combat the dreaded Black Sigatoka.

Friday is also expected to seek responses to the issue of water patrols in Admirality Bay and what is being done to effectively address the issue of yacht break-ins in his constituency.

The topical issue of domestic abuse is expected to surface when Senator Anesia Baptiste will ask Minister of National Mobilisation, Social Development etc Frederick Stephenson whether work has commenced at the Gender Affairs Department to train and network men as partners in advocacy and action focusing on relationships between violence and gender.