Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller leads members of the People's National Party along Duke Street in Kingston yesterday for the ceremonial opening of Parliament at Gordon House. - Photos by Norman Grindley/Deputy Chief Photographer

Opposition Leader Bruce Golding (centre) leads members and supporters of the Jamaica Labour Party.

Even though it rained on and off for the better part of the ceremony, dozens of political party supporters converged on Duke Street, downtown Kingston, yesterday to witness the opening of Parliament.

The ceremonial opening marks the start of the new legislative year.

At the top of Duke Street were gathered the supporters of the Opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) who went into a frenzy when the man whose image was printed on T-shirts many of them were wearing showed up. Bruce Golding, the JLP leader, received thunderous cheers and applause as he led the members of the JLP into Gordon House.

At the other end of the well-policed blockade were the People's National Party loyalists. Dressed mainly in orange, they had their fun cheering Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller as she led the members of her party into the building.

Heavily armed policemen dressed in blue suits were positioned on theroof of Gordon House, while high-ranking members of the constabulary force like Commissioner Lucius Thomas were dressed in their official attire.