The Houses of Parliament will open for the start of the fiscal year 2021/2022 on Thursday with a scale-down of the usual pump and pageantry that will be on display because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Decked in elegant attire, Jamaica’s parliamentarians are expected to provide a spectacle before entering Gordon House, where Governor General Sir Patrick Allen will deliver the throne speech in the morning.

The ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) will, afterwards, present the tabling of annual estimates of expenditure in the afternoon.

Before that, however, Sir Patrick will salute the Guard of Honour with the JLP’s Members of Parliament (MP) entering Gordon House from Charles Street and those of the Opposition People’s National Party (PNP), doing likewise from Beeston Street.

The opening of parliament usually attracts a large crowd, but with COVID-19 rampant in the country, it is expected that many Jamaicans will stay home.

The JLP, last week, asked supporters to refrain from attending the activities.

A Gordon House advisory earlier this week, also advised Jamaicans to watch the proceeding on television or over the Internet. It also stated that physical access to the ceremony by the public would be restricted.