Fanfare signals start of Parliament

Over 700 guests filled the Visitors’ Gallery, the Dining Hall and the West Wing of Parliament for today’s State Opening of Parliament.
Outside, one of the largest crowds to be seen assembled for the occasion in recent times, was animated.
Guests began arriving early on a day when many guests had clearly turned to the island’s fashion designers for outfits that would make strong fashion statements.
Party faithfuls waiting outside the gates came in their gold and red to cheer loudly each time they  spotted their favourite MP. The numbers stretched well to the east behind the barricade set up along  Palmetto Square.
Members of the Royal Barbados Police Force Band also stood on parade in Heroes Square along with members of the Barbados Defence Force. They sounded a fanfare to signal the arrival of Governor General Sir Elliott Belgrave and Lady Belgrave, demure in blue suit and matching hat.
As small groups of visitors and curious Barbadians watched on from the Wickham Boardwalk, the fringes of the Careenage and the Charles Duncan O’Neale Bridge, the National Anthem was played, Sir Elliott made a brief inspection of the parade and then proceeded on foot to the Senate Chamber for the initial ceremony preceding the State Opening of Parliament. (GC)
Full story in tomorrow’s DAILY NATION