THE official opening of Parliament on Wednesday will feature the reading of the Speech from The Throne, which will outline the new government’s policies and objectives for the upcoming parliamentary session.
The opening of Parliament follows the May 10 general election win of the Free National Movement with 35 of the 39 seats in the House of Assembly.
Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling will read the Speech from The Throne in the precincts of the Senate, in Parliament and Rawson Square Wednesday morning.
The address sets forth the government’s priorities with respect to its legislative agenda, for which the cooperation of Parliament is sought, according to a press release from Bahamas Information Services.
Many officials and dignitaries are expected to attend the ceremonies, which will be staged in full pomp and pageantry — a reflection of the Westminster system adopted by British Commonwealth member countries.
A joint colour guard and band comprising members of the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Guard of Honour will add to the ceremonial fixtures and traditions.
Several roads also will be closed because of the event.
From 6.30pm Tuesday, the following roads will be closed to vehicular traffic: Bay Street between Frederick Street and East Street; Parliament Street between Prince George Wharf and Shirley Street; Bank Lane between Shirley and Bay Streets; Charlotte Street between Shirley and Bay Streets.
On the day of the ceremony, beginning at 6.30am, there will be traffic diversions and the following road closures: Bay Street between Frederick St and East St; Charlotte St between Shirley St and Bay St; Parliament St between Prince George Wharf & East Hill St and Bank Lane between Shirley St and Bay St.
The Cabinet Office has also advised that parking will be provided for guests invited to the event. Parking will be facilitated in the parking lot of the old City Market building on Market Street north.
Guests will be transported to and from the parking lot by buses to Rawson and Parliament Squares beginning at 8am and from the squares to the parking lot after the ceremony until noon.
Guests are asked to show their admittance cards.
The official opening of Parliament will be broadcast live on local TV and radio stations.
Comments
Use the comment form below to begin a discussion about this content.
Sign in to comment
Or login with:
OpenID