Hushed tones, whispered conferences and the hurried tap-tapping of shoes on tile were the order of the day in Parliament Buildings yesterday when word of the President’s prorogation of Parliament spread.
Many Members of Parliament, media operatives and parliamentary staff gathered hours before Parliament was scheduled to sit and watched as protest action was staged by hundreds opposite Parliament Buildings. The protest was impressive in its number and while some watched and recorded the action, others held quick meetings in corners and discussed what was now confirmed – President Donald Ramotar had indeed prorogued the Tenth Parliament.
There was uncertainty on whether there would be a sitting; many had doubts, but, at around 1.30 pm, Alliance for Change (AFC) Leader Khemraj Ramjattan indicated that Parliament would nevertheless be sitting.
“Will that be a lawful sitting in light of the prorogation?” a reporter questioned.
“I believe that it will fully be a lawful one and the Speaker is calling it,” Ramjattan said before heading into the Parliament Chamber to take his seat.
As time passed, the western side of the chamber quickly filled with parliamentarians. However, the eastern side where PPP/C parliamentarians sat, remained noticeably vacant.
Members of the public also made their way into the gallery as the 2 pm start time drew near; in no time the seats were filled and those who were not fortunate enough to get a seat in time opted to stand against the walls and listen as opposition members including leader David Granger, Ramjattan, Moses Nagamootoo, Carl Greenidge and Basil Williams made lengthy remarks on the President’s decision.
The citizens, both ‘old timers’ and young persons, were apparently in full agreement with what was being said; many were seen nodding in agreement and clapping enthusiastically. These persons were glued to their seats and few stepped out of the chambers as the pseudo-sitting occurred.
Parliamentarians were also enthusiastic and loudly heckled as their colleagues delivered scathing comments towards the government. “No dictatorship!” was constantly yelled out as the present MPs banged on tables.
When the meeting subsequently ended, the chambers slowly emptied; many persons milled about and held last-minute discussions while some MPs headed out to speak with the protestors. Others moved their conversations to the eating area.
Copies of the proclamation of prorogation that had been laid in front of the unused seats of the government members, remained forlorn, untouched.
