The Senate today debates an Independent motion seeking in part to have the Hall of Justice in Port-of-Spain renamed the Noor Hassanali Hall of Justice.
The motion, filed by Independent Senator Gail Merhair, also seeks to have the Crown Point International Airport renamed the Arthur NR Robinson International Airport and to have Wrightson Road renamed the George Chambers Avenue. Also sought is the renaming of the Churchill-Roosevelt Highway as the Ellis Clarke Highway. Hassanali, now deceased, served as President as did Clarke and Robinson in previous years. Chambers served as Prime Minister between 1981 to 1986. Merhair's motion calls for the renaming of the various structures and roadways to take place as a "symbolic gesture of national gratefulness" (sic) for the many years of distinguished service by the former Heads of State.
The motion notes the contributions by Clarke, Hassanali, Robinson and Chambers. Opposition Senator Wade Mark also has a motion on the Senate agenda which had been sought by his former colleague former Senator Adesh Nanan. Mark will raise the motion which deals with steps to effect legislation concerning public procurement practices. These private members matters will be dealt with at today's session since next week's session–taking place on Monday March 29–will focus on the T&T Revenue Authority Bill which was recently passed in the House of Representatives. Public servants are expected to come out in force around the Red House on that day to protest the bill. PSA vice president Christopher Joefield, who was specially appointed by UNC to debate the bill, will speak at that session.