The crowds along Duke Street were notably much smaller this year. Nonetheless, spirits were high among political die-hards who converged at Gordon House in Kingston on Thursday morning to witness the ceremonial opening of Parliament, which marks the beginning of the 2025/26 legislative year.

Supporters of both the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and Opposition People’s National Party (PNP), decked out in their respective party colours, converged at either end of the street earlier than the scheduled start time and waited patiently for the arrival of their representatives.

The proceedings kicked off with a march along Duke Street and into Gordon House by parliamentarians.

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. Minister of Legal and Constitutional Affairs Marlene Malahoo Forte stood out in a tailored pink suit and gold pumps.

Members of the PNP, led by Opposition Leader Mark Golding, dressed in a dark blue suit and red tie, also turned on the fashion, with Member of Parliament for St Andrew South Western Angela Brown-Burke standing out in a striking orange jumpsuit paired with a black leather belt, matching purse, and leopard-print heels.

The proceedings also featured the usual march-past by the Jamaica Defence Force.

Custos of Kingston Steadman Fuller, who deputised for Governor General Sir Patrick Allen, took the royal salute and inspected the guard of honour before proceeding into Gordon House where he delivered the Throne Speech.

Some PNP supporters staged a silent protest against the Bill passed in Parliament on Tuesday which establishes Portmore as the nation’s 15th parish.

Jamaica Observer photographers Karl McLarty and Garfield Robinson captured some of the moments.