PARLIAMENT OF FIJI

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES

THE SENATE

DAILY HANSARD

FRIDAY, 6TH OCTOBER, 2006

            The Senate met at 9.15 a.m. pursuant to adjournment.

            MR. PRESIDENT took the Chair and read the Prayer.

PRESENT

            All Members were present, except the honourable Senator C. Singh, the honourable Senator B. Prasad, the honourable Senator L. Padarath, the honourable Senator J. Koroi, the honourable Senator E.L. Malani, the honourable Senator S. Osonamoli, the honourable Senator M. Rasigatale, the honourable Senator Ratu A. Katonivere, the honourable Senator Adi K. Nailatikau, the honourable Senator Dr. J. Fatiaki, the honourable Senator Ratu J. Yavalanavanua, the honourable Senator Dr. T.L. Baba and the honourable Senator Adi S.T. Cakobau.

MINUTES

            HON. SENATOR A. KALOUMAIRA.- Mr. President, Sir, I beg to inform the House that on page 2 of the Minutes (paragraph 5), under the heading "Motions and Second Readings of Bills (b) - Debate ensues", to insert my name after Hon. Senator Ratu Jekesoni Yavalanavanua.

            HON. LEADER OF THE HOUSE.- Mr. President, Sir, I beg to move:

            That the Minutes of the sitting of the Senate held on Thursday, 5th October, 2006 as previously circulated, be taken as read and be confirmed.

            HON. SENATOR RATU J.L.S. BOUWALU.- Mr. President, Sir, I beg to second the motion.

            Question put.

            Minutes, as amended, agreed to.

                                          COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHAIR

            MR. PRESIDENT.- Honourable Senators, I wish to share with you a Word of God this morning.  It is taken from the Book of James Chapter 3:18, and I quote:

                        "You can develop a healthy robust community that lives right with God and enjoys its result only if you do the hard-work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honour."

            Honourable Senators, as was decided in the Business Committee, the House will sit very briefly this morning, to allow honourable Senators to attend the Opening of the Fiji Day celebrations by His Excellency the President.  I would request all Senators to meet in the lobby, where the Parliament bus will transport honourable Senators to Albert Park.  At the end of the function, the bus will transport Senators back to Parliament House.

            Monday, as honourable Senators are aware, is our national Public Holiday.  The House will not be sitting.

            On Tuesday, there is a one day Workshop for Senators in the big Committee Room, commencing at 9.30 a.m.  Honourable Senators are urged to attend this Workshop.

            The Senate will continue with its meeting on Wednesday 11th October, 2006 at 9.30 a.m., when we will deal with the FIT (Bill No. 19 of 2006).  If need be, we will sit late on Wednesday to complete deliberations on this Bill, as we intend to take a one day tour of the Nacocolevu Research Station.

            Honourable Senators, the House is therefore adjourned until Wednesday, 11th October, 2006 at 9.30 a.m.

            The House is now adjourned.

            The House adjourned at 9.22 a.m.