Dignitaries dazzle in Throne Speech fashion spectacle

Schoolchildren, civil servants, police officers and invited guests were present for the annual ceremony in which Government outlines its plan for the next 12 months. A scattering of tourists watched proceedings and we also spotted the Uyghurs in the crowd.

The Throne Speech, read out by the Governor in a gazebo on the lawn, signals the reconvening of Parliament.

Members of Parliament, Senators, the Speaker of the House and other dignitaries were in attendance. Regiment soldiers, with a full band, stood guard in white tunics on Front Streets as the traditional 15-gun salute boomed across the city.

While the grounds were filled with spectators, there didn’t seem to be as many onlookers today in as previous years.

The ceremony began with prayer followed by Governor Sir Richard Gozney reading the speech, which was written by Premier Paula Cox.

But aside from politics, it is the day when public figures — and especially women — sport their best garb, which generally includes elaborate, bold suits with hats to match.

The pomp and circumstance became apparent as Senators descended from the Senate chamber of the Sessions House.

Newly minted Senator LaVerne Furbert stuck to her PLP roots, wearing an olive green suit and a green hat with gold and blue accents.

Senator Kim Wilson was a candidate for best dressed of the day, with a burnt orange and gold suit complete with a gold hat and shoes.

Opposition Senator Jean Atherton wore a cream-coloured suit while Senator Suzann Roberts-Holshouser sported a black and cream checkered pattern. Senator Joan Dillas-Wright wore a brown suit with a matching hat.

Those preset included Hamilton Mayor Charles Gosling, Bermuda Democratic Alliance Leader Craig Cannonier, lawyers, church leaders, family and friends, and more.

Sir Richard and Lady Gozney arrived in a horse drawn carriage followed by a police motorcade. He wore his usual attire for special occasions — a white military suit with medals and a white pith helmet with ostrich feathers.

Before the Members of Parliament entered the tent, and in time-honoured fashion, the Governor dispatched Black Rod to request their presence.

Premier Cox emerged, sporting in a royal blue suit with a matching hat, black gloves and black pumps. Her husband, Germaine, wore a royal blue tie to match.

Opposition Leader Kim Swan wore his usual Throne Speech attire — a top hat and tails.

Education Minister Jennifer Smith donned a black dress with a matching hat, accented with yellow gloves and a pink clutch.

Public Information Services Minister Neletha Butterfield wore a black suit with a silver headdress, grey gloves and shoes.

Minister of Tourism and Business Development Patrice Minors was another candidate for best dressed in a patterned ivory fitted suit with a matching hat and beige shoes.

Government Whip Lovitta Foggo wore a charcoal grey suit with a black hat and shoes.

Shadow Works Minister Pat Gordon-Pamplin was dressed in a turquoise suit with a matching hat and black shoes, while Shadow Health Minister Louise Jackson wore a royal blue suit and a white hat.

All the men looked dapper in their suits and ties.