THE 11th Parliament yesterday opened with much fanfare and colour as the new A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For change (APNU+AFC) Government prepared to get down to business in the august body.But as its Members of Parliament were being sworn-in, the now Opposition, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) chose to boycott the occasion.
The sun was out in all its glory and the crowd outside the Parliament Building stretched from the Parliament Square to the forecourt of the Magistrates’ Court, going all the way to Demico House.
Many took refuge under umbrellas as they shielded themselves from the hot sun while police officers resolutely manned the barricades to ensure smooth flow of traffic and crowd control.

Some in the colourful gathering walked with photographs of President David Granger and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo in a show of optimism that Guyana is in safe hands.

By 13:00 hrs, the heads of the diplomatic missions here began to arrive at Public Building (commonly referred to as ‘Parliament Building’), as well as senior government functionaries and other officials, including the acting Chancellor of the Judiciary Carl Singh and the acting Chief Justice Ian Chang.

The rather quiet crowd suddenly came alive, erupting in cheers on the arrival of Georgetown Mayor Hamilton Green. From the welcome he received, it indicates that the Mayor, a former Prime Minister of Guyana, still enjoys much support among city dwellers.

By this time, around 13:30 hrs, the ministers began to arrive, rolling up in the Parliament compound in mostly ‘Prados’, elegantly dressed and stately and dignified.

Tourism Minister Cathy Hughes went out to greet the gathering outside the Parliament Building compound, much to their appreciation, before walking quietly back into the compound and into the Parliament chamber, waving on the way there.
Earlier, Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence also received a warm welcome. It was her birthday and a gathering at the Parliament Building sang to her the ‘happy birthday’ song.
Meanwhile, in the gathering on Brickdam, there was much chit chat, with many expressing their optimism that Guyana will be better off with the APNU+AFC at the helm, but their members will have to work together. During this time, the brilliant sunshine had subsided and the atmosphere was cool.
Then there was the blaring of sirens.
Their faces turned, looking down Brickdam in a sweeping gaze, and police outriders appeared. It was about 13:45 hrs and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo was making his grand entry to the Parliament forecourt.
The Prime Minister is no stranger to the House, having served as an MP under the PPP/C and the Alliance For Change (AFC).
Looking dapper, dressed in a grey suit, Prime Minister Nagamootoo disembarked his car with a confident smile and waved, as he acknowledged the cheers from the large gathering.
Not long after, the remaining Parliamentarians arrived and took up their seats in the Parliament Chamber.
Then Guard of Honour marched onto the forecourt, neatly attired in green and white and white and black uniforms, to the booming drums. The guards stood at attention, resolute and patient, as they awaited the arrival of their Commander-in-Chief and President, David Granger.

RESOLUTE DEFENCE

They had to wait some time, as Foreign Minister Carl Greenidge was making it known to the House, the diplomatic corps and the gathering outside Parliament that Guyana will not cede any of her territory to Venezuela.

Then Prime Minister Nagamootoo went onto the tarmac and took the salute from the guards. It happened with some fanfare.

After a brief wait, the sirens were heard again and the cheers from the crowd became thunderous. Then, escorted by police outriders, the President arrived, elegantly dressed in a black suit with the image of the Guyana Flag on the left breast signaling his love for country – Guyana.
He greeted Prime Minister Nagamootoo, Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud, Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips and other top security officials, before inspecting the Guard of Honour.

The crowd lustily cheered on their leader as he marched in precision to the beat of the drums during the inspection.

On taking the presidential salute, the President strode briskly to the Parliament Chamber, where he last sat as Leader of the Opposition.
“I seem to have lost my seat,” he said, evoking light laughter, as he urged all to put the hostility of the concluded elections behind them and “look to the future with hope”.
The President also extended a hand to the PPP/C, calling on them to join the National Assembly, to serve the people, pointing out that it is time for consultation, not confrontation.

By Tajeram Mohabir