By Sue-Ann Wayow

CITIZENS lined Abercromby Street and Woodford Square near the Red House, hoping to get a glimpse, a handshake, and even a picture with their parliamentary leaders for the grand Ceremonial Opening of the 13th Parliament of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago on Friday.

Supporters from both the United National Congress (UNC) government and People’s National Movement (PNM) opposition stood in the midday sun awaiting the arrival of key personnel, including and to find out who will be President and Vice President of the Senate as well as Speaker of the House of Representatives.

The First Session of the 13th Parliament was scheduled to begin at 1.30 pm on Friday, with President Christine Kangaloo addressing both houses in a joint sitting.

Minister of Energy Dr Roodal Moonilal greeted United National Congress (UNC) supporters clad in UNC jerseys. He was already inside the compound, greeting those lining the fence. One woman held tightly on to his hand.

“We love you, we love you, we love you,” they told him as they waved their flags and rang their bells.

“Saddam, Saddam!” people called out to Minister of Legal Affairs Saddam Hosein as he approached the Red House.

Decked out in a purple outfit, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar was flanked by both security and the media upon arrival as she waved to supporters from a blocked portion of the road.

She took time to pose for photos with eager children in school uniforms.

After parliament ended, she again greeted supporters who pledged love and support.

The UNC supporters were joined by supporters in blue from the Tobago People’s Party (TPP) to see their two MPs – Joel Sampson (tobago West) and David Thomas (Tobago East)

PNM supporters with their red jerseys were also present.

At Woodford Square, persons could buy an ice-cream and watch the parliamentary proceedings from a large screen that was set up.

Inside the Parliament, the first order of business was electing the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Senate President followed by electing the Deputy Speaker of the House and the Vice President of the Senate.

Both the lower and upper houses began simultaneous proceedings.

It was not long after that the public found out that attorney Jagdeo Singh would be House Speaker and vetrand politician Wade Mark would be Senate President.

Member of Parliament for Princes Town Dr Aiyna Ali was elected as Deputy House Speaker and athlete Kenya Charles was chosen as Senate Vice President.

The formal ceremony was not without its fashion statements with women dressed up in flowery hats and high heels and the men in their suits.

The opposition men all wore a Balisier pin on their ties – the symbol of the People’s National Movement (PNM).

Attendees of the ceremonial opening ranged from Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley, foreign  ambassadors, former president Anthony Carmona and school children.

In the streets, members of law enforcement lined the streets with a ceremonial parade ending in front of the Red House to be inspected by Kangaloo.

Just before 3 pm, the new Senate President Wade Mark and House Speaker Jagdeo Singh took to the streets to view the parade and meet the President Christine Kangaloo who arrived shortly after.

Loud applause erupted upon their public street appearance.

Kangaloo arrived with her husband Kerwyn Garcia, SC.

After inspecting the guards, the President addressed the two houses in the northern chamber of the Lower House.

Following her address, the Senate and the House of Representatives commenced separate sessions.

In the House of Representatives, Indian Arrival Day greetings were given by the House Speaker and members of both Opposition and Government sides.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles also gave their inaugural parliamentary addresses.