Senate committee notes Brian Fort’s death and resumes May minutes review

The Senate Standing Orders Committee opened its June 5, 2026 meeting with members present in the chamber and at least one senator joining online, before turning to administrative business from its previous sitting.

No apologies for absence were recorded at the start of the meeting. Senator Sherine Golden Campbell, whose first name was noted as being spelt with three Es, confirmed her attendance virtually after being called by the chair.

The chair also acknowledged that Senator Golden Campbell had been unwell, saying she was among several people affected by Saharan dust. She replied that she was recovering, saying, “I’m mending. I’m mending.”

Before the committee moved into its agenda, members were asked to note the death of Justice Brian Xavier Fort. The chair identified him as the husband of Marlene Malahoo Forte, who was described as a former senator and minister as well as a current member of parliament. The chair said the matter would be dealt with more fully at another time.

The meeting also heard brief remarks about an event held the night before at the University of the West Indies. The chair said he and Senator Bernard had attended the inaugural professorial lecture delivered by Senator Dr Professor Floyd Morris, and that additional comments would be made later during the sitting on the motion for adjournment.

Members then prepared to continue the committee’s formal work. The chair welcomed the return of Counsel Jimenez, saying she had work for the committee, and indicated that the minutes of the May 22, 2026 meeting were before him for review.