Tradition, rain and a splash of fashion

The new Government’s first throne speech took place today with all the normal pomp and circumstance despite windy weather.

The weather held off for the entire speech before, just after the Governor George Fergusson exited the tent, the rain came pouring down, leaving many guests trapped.

But before the speech, the weather was light and breezy and many came out to witness the reconvening of Parliament.

MC’s for the morning Major Kenneth Dill and Tina Evans-Caines informed the audience of all the special protocol for the day.

The pair shared a few laughs as they told the audience when it was appropriate to stand, sit and even gave history lessons explaining the traditions.

The MC’s also revealed to the crowd that PLP veteran Randy Horton had accepted the role of Speaker of the House. The announcement received loud applause from the invited guests. OBA MP Suzanne Roberts-Holshouser was named as deputy speaker.

Invited guests were seated under the tent, featuring a mix of Premier Craig Cannonier’s family and friends, MP’s spouses, lawyers, clergy, judges, community workers and much more.

Former Premiers Dame Jennifer Smith and Alex Scott were both in attendance.

In addition to the invited guests, school children gathered at the perimeter along with spectators to watch the proceeding.

The procession began with the Supreme Court judges followed by members of the senate. Governor George Fergusson arrived shortly after in a horse-drawn carriage with a full police motorcade.

He got out of the carriage at the entrance to the Cabinet grounds and went over to inspect the Bermuda Regiment.

During this time, his wife Margaret Fergusson was escorted into the tent with Senate President Carol-Ann Bassett. Beverley Morfitt escorted Antoinette Cannonier, wife of Premier Craig Cannonier, while the Black Rod showed the way for Mr Horton, Premier Cannonier and opposition leader Marc Bean.

Government Ministers arrived first followed by backbenchers. Opposition MPs arrived moments later.

The crowd was then asked to stand for the prayer, which was recited by Pastor Sydney Gibbons of the Southampton Seventh-Day Adventist Church.

Following the prayer, Ms Bassett and Mr Horton read out formalities to the Governor about the Senate and the House of Assembly before  Mr Fergusson began the speech.
As is expected at the Throne Speech, men are dressed in suits and ties and women wear suits or dresses and some complete the outfit with a beautiful hat. Every single female MP and Senator had on some variation, including small, large and fascinators.

Fashion of the day for the women included many long jackets with dresses underneath and blazers with skirts.

Mrs Fergusson’s fashion choices were bold.  She wore a silver dress and jacket with a blue floral print and matching hat.

In addition to the Governor’s wife, colour was a common theme especially with the Government MP’s and Senators, many of whom opted to wear red, the OBA’s colour.

 Many male government ministers also wore red ties with their suits while the men of the PLP wore green ties.