Jamaicans who usually turn up at Gordon House in downtown Kingston, to greet the nation’s political representatives during the pomp and pageantry marking the start of a new parliamentary year, will have to sit things out this year and instead follow the proceedings from their televisions or computer screens at home.

The State Opening of Parliament for the 2021-22 legislative year has been set to get under way at 11:00 a.m. tomorrow (February 18) at Gordon House where the Houses of Parliament sit.

Governor General Sir Patrick Allen will deliver the Throne Speech where he will outline the Government’s priorities for the new fiscal year, which begins on April 1.

The 2021-22 Estimates of Expenditure will be tabled in the afternoon, following the ceremonial opening of Parliament.

This year’s proceedings, however, are taking place in strict adherence to the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ coronavirus (COVID-19) guidelines.

As a result, physical access to the ceremony by members of the public will be restricted and the Government has advised persons to follow the proceedings remotely.

The ceremony will be broadcast live on local television and streamed on the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) website at www.jis.gov.jm.

It will also be carried live on the JIS Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Parliament prorogued yesterday, ending the parliamentary year.