After two years in which they were not allowed to attend the ceremonial opening of Parliament with the usual festivities due to COVID-19 restrictions, supporters of the country’s political parties returned in their numbers on Tuesday to welcome Members of Parliament and senators.

The supporters of the People’s National Party (PNP) and Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) lined Duke Street in downtown Kingston in their representative colours with phones in hand to capture the ceremonial opening of Parliament at Gordon House.

Ringing a bell as she awaited the arrival of the political leaders, a JLP supporter, who gave her name as Joan, said, “We are glad to be out here. Wi did feel a way when wi couldn’t come out due to the pandemic and wi couldn’t fight what was happening. Now that we are out, we look forward to hear what is going on and to hear the ministers tell us what is going to happen for the year.”

Another JLP supporter, who gave his name as Delroy, said he looks forward to the occasion each year. He even mentioned taking some time from work to show his support.

“I am looking forward to seeing my prime minister and Member of Parliament Donovan Williams and couple of other ministers. I am a born supporter and I support this thing for years. I left work to come here. It means the world to me,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

Sharing similar sentiments, JLP supporter Sophia added, “We look forward to it every year. We feel good.”

At the other end of Duke Street, though smaller in numbers, PNP supporters were just as upbeat.

“I came out to give my support to [Opposition Leader] Mark Golding and to show our strength because in former years things weren’t so good. Nuh watch the size, there is significance in the strength of the PNP,” a PNP supporter who gave his name as Mollo told the Observer.

Another PNP supporter called Sharon expressed joy in witnessing the occasion.

“Due to COVID-19 we couldn’t get to come out and support our ministers, so we are thankful that it is over. We want to come out for our minister and show them that we love them,” she said.

“We love the enjoyment and being outside to support is a plus,” added PNP supporter Beverley.

To signal the start of the day’s activities, a combination of the Jamaica Regiment Band and Jamaica Military Band started marching about 10:25 am. This was followed by the arrival of the political leaders, from both ends of the street, who walked to Gordon House.

Among the Opposition members were PNP spokesperson on land, environment, and climate change Senator Sophia Frazer-Binns, wearing a stunning blue dress, and Opposition spokesperson on youth and sports Senator Gabriela Morris, who was wearing a fitted red dress, accompanied by Opposition spokesman on housing and sustainable living Senator Dr Floyd Morris who was decked in a yellow and black tuxedo.

They received much cheers from students at St George’s Girls’ Primary and Infant School who witnessed the moment from their school compound.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Andrew Holness waved as he walked briskly to Gordon House with his wife and Member of Parliament Juliet Holness, who wore a multi-coloured colour-blocked dress, followed by other members of the leading party who walked on.

The Governor General Sir Patrick Allen inspected the troups, which was followed by the playing of the national anthem.

The House of Representatives reconvened at 2:00 pm for the tabling of the 2023/2024 Estimates of Expenditure.