Gareth Manning, Gleaner Writer
Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller kisses Terrence Grant while several supporters look on during yesterday's State Opening of Parliament at Gordon House. - RUDOLPH BROWN/CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
THE CAMARADERIE was clear yesterday morning as Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and People's National Party (PNP) supporters lined the streets outside Gordon House to pledge their political allegiances during the ceremonial opening of Parliament.
To the south of Gordon House, where PNP and particularly supporters of Portia Simpson Miller gathered, the mood was celebratory as people awaited the arrival of the Prime Minister. There were shouts of 'Mama time now' as they ushered in the beginning of the reign of the nation's new woman leader.
FROM LONG DISTANCES
Some travelled long distances to support the new Prime Minister, coming from as far away as Spanish Town, St. Catherine, to await her arrival.
"I work last night and I went home to Spanish Town and I came here for this special occasion," an elated Benet Allen told The Gleaner. "To me it is an historical occasion and it's a great feeling to be here seeing that a lady is Jamaica's first female Prime Minister, and the Governor-General ... this is his first opening of Parliament. It's just a wonderful feeling," he added.
But to the north of Gordon House there was no celebration for the Prime Minister as JLP supporters, gathered in their green T-shirts bearing pictures of Opposition Leader Bruce Golding. They said it was time for a change and only the JLP could bring that change.
"We want Bruce, Bruce we want," supporters shouted. "Nobody else but Uncle Bruce, him alone."
According to a female JLP supporter: "As long as we have PNP we will always have corruption."
Bells rang out when Mr. Golding led his team into Gordon House for the first time, but there was even more jubilation as Mrs. Simpson Miller led the Government side into the building.
HUGS AND KISSES
Stepping from her limousine, she first hugged and kissed a group of children from the New Hope Preparatory School in Kingston.
She then met with supporters who screamed her name and jumped at the opportunity to touch the woman dressed in ivory.
"Mama Portia, your journey has just begun," they cried.
The pomp and pageantry was brought to a close with Governor-General Professor Kenneth Hall's inspection of the First Battalion Jamaica Regiment. Although seeming nervous during his first opening of Parliament, the inspection went smoothly and quickly to make up for time lost, due to the late start of the proceedings.
