Monday, September 28 2009

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Trade Minister Mariano Browne in the Senate, last Friday....

THE Senate late Friday passed the 2009/2010 Budget, albeit to a vigorous “no” from Senate Opposition Leader, Wade Mark, when the question was put by vice president, George Hadeed, in the chair.

Trade Minister Mariano Browne sought to allay fears over the hikes in property tax, saying existing high levels in places such as San Fernando have not forced people to have to sell their homes, as was now being claimed would be the effect of the new tax hikes.

He promised that the Budget itself does not impose the tax hikes, which he assured must be fully debated in Parliament in a separate Bill before they can be implemented.

The Senate next sits today at 1.30 pm, and then tomorrow for Private Members Day, and again on Thursday to debate the Validation of Commission of Inquiry Bill. Senate Leader Conrad Enill said he hoped the Senate can then sit next week to deal with the Proceeds of Crime Bill and Financial Investigations Unit Bill.