THE National Arena was yesterday transformed into a sea of orange and black as thousands of People’s National Party (PNP) supporters turned up to celebrate the 76th year of the political party at its annual conference.

The event, which started at 9:00 am and ended a few minutes after 3:00 pm had bus, taxi and car loads of comrades travelling to the arena to revel with their fellow party supporters. As they made their way, some hung orange flags through bus windows while blowing vuvuzuelas, and others blasted music over the speakers. Others walked with their children, some as young as two years old, in tow. Some even came on crutches, in wheelchairs or with the aid of walking sticks.

The dress code of many left little to the imagination, as some were seen in mesh suits, bathing suits, cropped tops, brassieres and short shorts that showcased the party colours.

Vendors were kept busy selling water, sodas and natural juices, as well as snacks.

The arena was packed beyond capacity and on the outside, most supporters gathered around a jumbotron, which allowed them to get every detail of the activities unfolding inside. Where there were no seats, some made themselves comfortable on the ground.

Policemen were seen patrolling the grounds and standing guard at different points of entry to ensure there was order from start to finish. Assistant Commissioner of Police George Quallo said while no powerful missiles were seized, small instruments that could do damage were confiscated.

“So far we’ve had no trouble from the supporters with regard to weapons. However, we’ve had to take away a few pocket knives,” he said.

A policewoman said her greatest challenge was getting the supporters in queues, since many opted to force their way through the entrance. Outside the arena’s compound, members of the constabulary force had to keep the roads monitored in order to prevent traffic congestion along the thoroughfare.

It threatened to rain, but the spirits of the supporters were not dampened as they continued to celebrate, smoke cigarettes and marijuana, and drink alcoholic beverages.

Adolphus Green, a 78-year-old comrade from South West St Ann said he has been a supporter of the PNP from before he had a vote.

“I’ve been in the party from I was a young boy and I come and teach people about the politics of society. Me born a PNP and mi a dead a PNP, all when a mi one lef,” Green said.

Another comrade, Mervin Spence from Hanover East, said he’s been an avid socialist since 1979. While he wore a poker face for most of the day, he said he was proud of the tributes paid to the late Agriculture Minister Roger Clarke and the rural development thrust named in his memory.

Spence added: “I would like to see more employment opportunities being created and more information being available to the public as it pertains to the functioning of the Government.”

Angella Robinson, an East Portland comrade for 26 years, said she was happy with the $2.6 billion in benefits to be given to primary and high school students on the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH), which Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller announced in her address.

“I am happy with the PATH announcement because I have young children coming up and I feel more comfortable knowing that provisions are in place for them. I also want to see more progress,” Robinson said.

One of the high points of the day was the arrival of the PNP leader, which saw supporters running and chanting “Portia! Portia! Portia!” The excitement was recreated when she left the arena while standing through the sunroof of the van that transported her. Party supporters chased the vehicle until it disappeared from clear sight.