SUPPORTERS of the two major political parties braved the early morning showers across the Corporate Area Thursday to support their representatives at the state opening of Parliament.

The smaller than usual crowd, barred from the immediate precincts by police barriers, were vociferous with sporadic outbursts of political remarks, both sets loudest in the presence of their leaders, Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller for the ruling People’s National Party (PNP) and Opposition Leader Bruce Golding for the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP).

PNP supporters took up their normal positions at the bottom of Duke Street, while the JLP, to the top of Duke Street near the intersection with Charles Street.

The two leaders greeted their supporters warmly before Prime Minister Simpson Miller, flanked by Dr Peter Phillips, the security minister, led the government members up Duke Street, while Opposition Leader Bruce Golding led his charges down Duke Street.

There were rhythmic shouts of “Portia”, “Portia”, from the PNP supporters, while the JLP adherents sang anti-Portia songs.

Newly christened government member Abe Dabdoub, who recently joined the ruling party, emerged through the group of PNP supporters walked with the government’s side for the first time. He was presented to and accepted by the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the PNP last week.

The arrival of Governor General Professor Kenneth Hall was signalled by police from the Mounted Troop, as they rode their horses down Duke Street, as the governor general’s official car drove behind.

Prof Hall, accompanied by Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin, chief of staff of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), inspected the guard of honour mounted by the JDF after which he took up his position inside the House.

The shine of the soldiers’ boots glistened in the overcast morning conditions, as they contended with the gush of water running in the drain along the roadway across from the House.

The JLP supporters were strengthened by the arrival of a small drum corps, but their sounds were short-lived, as police officers ordered them to cease beating the drums after the start of the sitting, with the governor general scheduled to deliver the Throne Speech.

The commands of the police were instantly obeyed.

Sybil Allen was one who makes the annual event a date. “I have been coming here for years to the opening of Parliament. Every year, it is something new. This year it’s Abe Dabdoub walking up Duke Street,” she said.

Allen, a dressmaker, said she had designed many of the fashionable outfits on display at the annual event, but said she was neither a JLP nor PNP supporter.

Despite the heavy security around the officials, Prime Minister Simpson Miller was mobbed by a few supporters as she went to greet them when the proceedings were over.

She pulled back as the supporters flocked around her. However, she spoke calmly to them and they retreated.