Pellau Magazine

Parliament’s corporate communications manager,Jason Elcock, right, addresses members of the media during a briefing yesterday on the coverage of the ceremonial opening of Parliament at Tower D, at the Waterfront. From left are reporters Richard Lord (T&T Guardian), Andrea Perez (CL Communications), Anna Ramdass (Express) and Clint Chan Tack (Newsday). PHOTO: ROBERTO CODALLO
Drivers can expect major disruption on Wrightson Road tomorrow afternoon when the ceremonial opening of Parliament takes centre stage at the Waterfront. The westbound carriageway of Wrightson Road will be closed from 12.45 pm tomorrow until after 3.30 pm, when the ceremony is scheduled to end. The westbound lanes will be closed and the eastbound lane will carry two-way traffic between the corner of Independence Square and the T&T Fire Service Headquarters on Wrightson Road. Corporate communications manager of Parliament Jason Elcock  announced the plan during a briefing yesterday. This will be the first time a ceremonial opening of Parliament has taken place at the International Waterfront Centre.
It was originally said last year, when Parliament moved into its temporary home in a converted office block, that no ceremonial openings would be held until it returns to the Red House. In fact there will be the usual pomp and ceremony for the opening and President George Maxwell Richards is expected to deliver his final address to legislators as his second term comes to an end. Elcock said President Richards will inspect a Guard of Honour on Wrightson Road before the scheduled 1.30 pm opening of the third session of the present Parliament. There is to be heightened security, both inside and outside the Chamber. Up to yesterday final arrangements were being made as the red carpet, chairs and other items were being put in position for the ceremony. The sitting will begin with the Clerk of the House reading the Proclamation issued by President Richards.
In the House of Representatives, a new Deputy Speaker will be elected. She is Nela Khan, MP, who replaces Jairam Seemungal, who was appointed Minister in the Ministry of Food Production in last month’s Cabinet reshuffle.
The House of Representatives and the Senate will meet jointly for the address by President Richards. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley will address the House of Representatives. The leaders of government business and opposition business and the Independents in the Senate will all address their chamber on T&T’s Jubilee Independence celebrations. Dignitaries expected to attend include members of the Judiciary, the diplomatic corps, and the Chief Secretary and Minority Leader of the Tobago House of Assembly.  Both Houses will then be adjourned, probably until September, as Parliament takes its usual mid-year break.

Via http://m.guardian.co.tt/news/2012-07-09/traffic-be-re-routed-tomorrow-opening-parliament