Supporters make way back to the House

After their absence from the proceedings last year, supporters from the two major political parties were back for yesterday's ceremonial opening of Parliament.

A year ago, both Jamaica Labour Party and People's National Party supporters were directed to stay away from the annual event to prevent disturbances to the grade-six students doing their examinations.

But this year, having heard no such decree, the green and orange-clad diehards made an appearance. It may not have been the mass crowds of years gone by, but those who did show up made their presence known. They were seen joking with security personnel while saluting their party leaders on arrival. Schoolchildren and office workers from nearby companies lined the streets hoping to catch glimpses of the proceedings and their favourite parliamentarians.

Bigwigs of both parties received rousing receptions from the party faithful. Prime Minister Bruce Golding, who chose purple in his attire (his more blue St George's and Jamaica College old boys would not be pleased), first led his troops from the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union headquarters into the honourable House.

taking shade

Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller, clad in suit of Aso oke (pronounced ah-show-kay) fabric from Nigeria, greeted her supporters who were taking shade by the barrier at St George's Girls and Infant School. Shouts of "Portia, Portia" and "a di real prime minister dis" emanated from her jubilant supporters as she made her way to the gathering. So vocal was the support, individuals from the Family Court Children Attendance Centre came out to see the cause of the commotion.

The only ones not having fun were members of the security forces who were made to suffer as the mid-morning sun beat down upon them mercilessly. But they stuck to their task of keeping the cordoned area of Duke Street clear of any excess vehicular or human traffic.