A new legislative year begins today with the ceremonial opening of Parliament at Gordon House.

The event will be marked by the usual fanfare, including parades by the Jamaica Constabulary Force, the Jamaica Defence Force, the military band and the traditional salute by Governor-General Professor Kenneth Hall.

Throne Speech

Professor Hall will deliver the Throne Speech outlining the Government's policies and programmes for the new financial year, which begins April 1.

On Tuesday afternoon, Finance and Planning Minister, Dr. Omar Davies, will table the 2007/2008 Estimates of Expenditure in the House.

The estimates will provide details on how Government's programmes will be funded and what the ministries and agencies will receive for recurrent (housekeeping) and capital (development) expenses.

The Standing Finance Committee of Parliament will examine the Estimates of Expenditure from April 3-5.

Dr. Davies will open the 2007/2008 Budget Debate on April 12, followed by his Opposition counterpart, Audley Shaw, who will make his presentation on April 17.

A Government minister and Opposition spokesperson will make presentations on April 18.

On April 19, Opposition Leader Bruce Golding will make his contribution to the debate, to be followed by Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller on April 25. Dr. Davies will close the debate on April 26.

Meanwhile, new traffic arrangements will be instituted at 8:00 a.m. today to facilitate the State Opening of Parliament. The following roads will be closed:

Duke Street between East Street and South Heroes Circle.

Beeston Street will be operated as one way, east to west, between East Street and Mark Lane, and west to east from Church Street to Mark Lane.

Mark Lane will be converted into one way, south to north, between Beeston Street and Charles Street.

No parking will be allowed on several roads in the vicinity of Gordon House.