Party loyalists scant for opening of Parliament

Yesterday's ceremonial opening of Parliament was marked by the traditional pomp and pageantry, including a parade by the Jamaica Defence Force's First Battalion, the Jamaica Regiment.

While the governor general, members of the House of Representatives and the Senate, and public officials converged, the level of support from political party loyalists outside Gordon House continues to decline.

A Jamaica Labour Party supporter, who identified herself as Valerie, spoke highly of the Government's work during the last fiscal year.

"When dem inna power, things nuh so hard wid we. We can sen wi pickney go a school, we can find them lunch money, we can find wi three meals a day," she said.

Neidrean Palmer, a People's National Party follower, said, "I'm looking forward to hearing what the crime plan is. As we all know, crime is spiralling out of control and we, basically, need a plan that is first and foremost because if we fix crime, everything else will fall in place."