Small crowd of partisan supporters rally at parliament’s ceremonial opening

Unlike in previous years, members of the security forces had little to no problems with warding off partisan supporters at the Ceremonial Opening of Parliament this morning.

The usual crowded Duke Street in downtown Kingston leading to George House had a mere handful of partisan supporters of the two main political parties.

After soldiers attired in their red ceremonial suits started marching at 10:20 a.m., which signalled the start of the day's activities, there were only four persons attired in orange in support of the opposition People's National Party (PNP). 

They stood along the walls of St George's Girls' Primary and Infant School where hundreds of persons would have usually been gathered with loud cheers to welcome and boost the energy of their favourite Opposition members as they march to Gordon House. 

Ringing bells and decked in green, eager supporters of the ruling Jamaica Labour Party, primarily of West Kingston residents, showed their presence.

For the second year in a row, the Ceremonial Opening of Parliament was held without the throng of party supporters who would normally flock to see their favourite parliamentarians strut and wave to Gordon House.  

In adherence to COVID-19 protocols by the Ministry of Health and Wellness, physical access to the ceremony by members of the public has been restricted.

"From ever since I have been coming here. We respect the social distancing and wear the mask, but we have to come to give our support," said Joan Williams, a resident of West Kingston.

Held at bay by barricades erected at the North Street intersection, the small gathering cheered the Holness-led Government officials as they marched to Gordon House.

As early as 7:15 a.m., members of the security forces started unloading barriers from trucks which were then used to cordon off sections of Duke Street and adjoining roads. 

- Ainsworth Morris and Sharlene Hendricks

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