IN a show of political fervour, supporters of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and the People’s National Party (PNP) gathered at both ends of Duke Street in downtown Kingston, as the nation’s political leaders convened for the Ceremonial Opening of Parliament on Thursday.

While the crowds were not as big as in previous years, with the next local government elections just 10 days away, there was a vibrant display of political enthusiasm as supporters from both sides, decked in their party colours, awaited the arrival of their leaders.

At first, the atmosphere was calm, with the sun shining bright on Gordon House, while members of the Jamaica Regiment and the Jamaica Military bands stood ready to perform their ceremonial duties.

Media personnel lined both sides of the street, cameras and microphones in hand, as they also waited patiently to capture the moment.

The sound of a bell was all it took for the air to crackle with excitement as JLP supporters were seen coming from all angles, gathering at the barricades to form a sea of green as they shouted, “Shower, Labourites! One Andrew Holness!”, among other comments.

They were further energised when a marching band and dancers, led by Minister of Local Government Desmond McKenzie, arrived.

The drums banged, cymbals clashed, and horns blew, filling the atmosphere with music as supporters danced to the beat.

“I come out to support the JLP wid me young prime minister. Third term, sure about that! KSAC (Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation) a our own. A we clean up Kingston and St Andrew. One mayor, Delroy Williams. Nuh other mayor. Nobody cah tek him seat. The other party nah keep… A green a keep,” JLP supporter Samantha Beckford told the Jamaica Observer.

Decked in a green shirt, the colour associated with the JLP, the loyal Labourite said that she had to stop by to show her support before she journeyed to work, where she would proudly sport her party’s colour.

“Prosperity gimme mi work, so when prosperity keep mi affi out here. From 2016 mi a work under mi young Prime Minister Andrew Holness. One leader! Jamaica reform under Andrew Michael Holness. Nuh other Government neva do weh Andrew Michael Holness do inna eight years. One JLP! One leader!” shouted Beckford.

Her comments received cheers from other supporters who exclaimed, “One JLP!” while others passionately blew their horns in agreement.

“Prosperity all ‘bout, the whole 14 parishes. Look pon St Thomas, how St Thomas look. It was forgotten, and now JLP make it can see, don’t it, people? I come out every year to support my party,” said another JLP supporter who identified herself as Sophia, adding that she is present for every opening of Parliament.

“My party cyaan lose. A we still a win. From me know myself a grow a come up, a straight Labourite. Yuh see Mr Samuel, cyaan lose him seat. Yuh see Jermaine Hyatt, cyaan lose him seat. Yuh see the mayor [Delroy Williams], cyaan lose him seat. Right yah now, mi have 10 votes inna mi house. No Labourite cyaan lose dem seat!” another JLP supporter, Carol, told the Observer.

Prime minister and leader of the ruling JLP, Andrew Holness, flanked by Government Members of Parliament (MPs) and senators, arrived shortly after the jubilant performance of their supporters and made their way from the top of Duke Street to Gordon House.

At the other end of the street the PNP crowd, though smaller than the JLP’s, was no less vibrant.

Decked in orange shirts, the colour associated with the party, they awaited the arrival of the Opposition MPs and senators with a serene air, some seeking shade from the heat of the morning sun.

However, as soon as they saw party leader Mark Golding and the rest of the PNP team the atmosphere shifted.

They quickly jumped from their seats, blowing horns and cheering for the Opposition parliamentarians who were preparing to march to Gordon House.

Golding made his way to the barricades, engaging supporters who proudly stood with their fists high in the air, the PNP salute, as they shouted the party’s current election slogan, “Time come!”

The crowd was further energised when the MP for St Ann South Eastern Lisa Hanna — whose outfit received shouts of approval from supporters who declared their love for her style — appeared.

The supporters were joined by a few of the party’s nominated local government candidates, who expressed confidence that their party would be victorious in the upcoming elections.

“Ready fi vote. Can’t wait fi February 26 ’cause wi affi vote out Andrew Holness and him Government [in the general election next year]. Tired ah di hunger, tiad a di stress, tiad ah di murder… Time come,” said Audrey Smith Facey, PNP candidate for the Payne Land Division in St Andrew South Western.

“Central Kingston will be bringing home Shawn “Ribba” McGregor in the Rae Town Division and Allman Town Division [representative] Charmaine Daniels. We staying with Charmaine, and Ribba definitely will deliver!” Andrea Gutzmore, Central Kingston secretary for the PNP, told the Observer.

“Check the orange wave. The people are tired. Mark Golding. One leader. A leader who has it, who is not here to scrape. A leader who will ensure that the people of Jamaica, the majority of us, benefit [from] betta life. We’re not here to fill our pockets and build big mansions in the sky for ourselves alone. We want everyone to live comfortably, that’s what our leader is about,” she added, to loud applause from other PNP supporters.

“Mark Golding is a man for the people. A long time me know him, before him even politician and dem man deh ah some nice, down-to-earth people. Mi know seh Mark can do it. Mark can do it, he’s going to do it, and wi cyaan lose. PNP cyaan lose. Wi nah watch people or listen to them, just Mark,” said a PNP supporter, who identified herself as Cynthia.

As they ended their engagements with supporters, the parliamentarians made their way to Gordon House, where they were invited to partake in a sitting of the Senate. They were followed by members of the judiciary and the diplomatic core.

Governor General Sir Patrick Allen arrived shortly after to perform his traditional inspection of the troops, which was followed by the playing of the National Anthem.