COVID mutes political carnival

No ear-splitting vuvuzelas. No chest-thumping gusto. No full-throated bellows.

An anticlimax.

The carnival of bodies and bravado that transformed Duke Street into a canvas of colour was muted on Thursday amid a scaled-down ceremonial opening of Parliament that forfeited the traditional pomp and circumstance.

There was an absence of back-slapping greetings from members of parliament and senators and no outstretched hands and hugs for party supporters that usually thronged the capital’s streets.

Social distancing dulled the camaraderie, and even Governor General Sir Patrick Allen’s inspection of the guard of honour was less detailed than usual.

After approaching Duke Street with plans to shout, sing, and jeer Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) supporters, Anita ‘Pinky’ Hall, a constituent of the People’s National Party stronghold of St Andrew Southern, said “we shut up because we nuh wah get lock up”.

Hall and the faithful few pledged to cooperate with the police, who maintained a strong presence to enforce COVID-19 safety protocols. She said it was “the right thing for the country”.

“It better now because my party leader and MP is a Michael Manley replica,” Hall said of her MP, Opposition Leader Mark Golding.

Michael Manley was the fourth prime minister of Jamaica known for significant social reforms such as national minimum wage and paid maternity leave.

Annise, a vendor from Mark Lane, once counted on bustling crowds to drive sales of snacks, beverages, and cigarettes near the corner of Duke and Charles streets but said the police have restricted “hustling” along that stretch over the last four years.

Annise was, nonetheless, out on Thursday to observe proceedings.

While at least 20 PNP supporters travelled to Duke Street donned in traditional orange hues, professed Labourites who lived nearby didn’t bother with green paraphernalia and were there more for show than for support.

Party supporters from both sides said they have observed a steady decline in the turnout.

Tivoli Gardens resident Prince Palmer said he has been attending the ceremonial opening of Parliament since age 10, a tradition revered by his grandmother.

Even after her passing eight years ago, the 29-year-old honours her memory with continued attendance.

However, this year, he decided that he would be staying put because of an ongoing gang war between Denham Town and Tivoli Gardens.

“Due to weh a gwaan inna West Kingston right now, me nuh wah guh out deh suh and man fire shot kill me,” he said.