Pomp and protest mark ceremonial opening of Parliament
Supporters of the two major political parties converged at Gordon House in Kingston Thursday morning to witness the ceremonial opening of Parliament which marked the beginning of the 2024/25 legislative year.
The skies were overcast and the crowds along Duke Street were notably much smaller this year. Nonetheless, spirits were high among the political diehards who waited patiently for the arrival of their party representatives.
The proceedings kicked off with a march along Duke Street and into Gordon House by parliamentarians, state officials, mayors, and other distinguished guests.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who donned a blue suit and green tie, led the march on the government side, flanked by Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Senator Kamina Johnson Smith on either side. Minister of Legal and Constitutional Affairs Marlene Malahoo Forte stood out in a tailored pink suit and gold pumps, while Member of Parliament for St Ann North Western Krystal Lee was also stylish in a blue dress accompanied by fashionable footwear and a handbag.
PNP President Mark Golding greets supporters during the ceremonial opening of Parliament on Thursday, February 13, 2025. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)
Members of the PNP, led by Mark Golding in a dark blue suit and red tie, also turned on the fashion, with Member of Parliament for St Andrew South West Angela Brown-Burke standing out in a striking orange jumpsuit paired with a black leather belt, a matching purse, and leopard-print heels.
The proceedings also featured the usual march by the Guard of Honour from the Jamaica Regiment Band. This was followed by the arrival of Custos of Kingston Steadman Fuller, who deputised for Governor General Sir Patrick Allen. Fuller took the royal salute, walked the red carpet, and inspected the Guard of Honour before proceeding into Gordon House where he delivered the Throne Speech.
Andrea Dallas, a resident of South St Andrew who is a PNP supporter, shared with the Jamaica Observer what brings her out each year to the event.
“Over the years, I have been coming when they have the opening of Parliament to support my team, my PNP team. Sometimes I even get a ticket and go inside, put on my nice clothes and take in the ceremony, but sometimes I am inside and get sleepy so when I see the MPs sleeping I understand. I prefer outside. I also get to watch the parade and when the Governor General inspecting them, so it is something I look forward to,” she said.
People’s National Party supporters protest the bill establishing Portmore as a parish, during the ceremonial opening of Parliament along Duke Street in Kingston on Thursday, February 13, 2025. (Photo: Vanassa McKenzie)
In regards to the turnout, Dallas said: “The turnout is good; it’s not as great as before because people have to look after their food and some people go to work, but the turnout is good.”
Some supporters of the People’s National Party staged a silent protest against the government’s move to pass a bill on Tuesday establishing Portmore as Jamaica’s 15th parish. Carl Barrett, a resident of the municipality, who was among the protestors, argued that the area was not ready to receive parish status because, he said, it lacks critical infrastructure such as a hospital.
“I don’t think it is right to make Portmore a parish because we don’t have a hospital, and the people in Portmore need these amenities,” he said.
WATCH: Portmore residents stage protest at ceremonial opening of Parliament
Meanwhile, some PNP supporters were barricaded by police as they attempted to march from the bottom of Duke Street up to Gordon House while urging the prime minister to call a general election.
“Call it Andrew, call it!” was the chant among the supporters.
