10th T&T Parliament opens Friday

The 10th Parliament of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago opens in Port of Spain Friday with the swearing-in of members of the House of Representative and the Senate.

It is the first time in the country's history that a woman is leading the government. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar led her People's Partnership coalition to a landslide 29-12 victory against the People's National Movement (PNM) in the May 24 general election.

There are some other firsts are well.

For the first time since he first became leader of the PNM in 1987, Patrick Manning will be sitting on the opposition benches as just the member for San Fernando East. Following the party's defeat, the PNM demanded and received Manning's immediate resignation. Dr Keith Rowley is the new PNM leader and opposition leader.

There is another significant first.

For the first time since 1976 Basdeo Panday will not be sitting as an elected member in the House of Representatives.

He was ousted as UNC leader in the January 24 internal election and did not offer himself for selection to run again as the candidate for Couva North. He has accepted an invitation to be a guest at Friday's formal opening.

The highlight of the day will be the address by President Max Richards to a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament in which he is expected to outline the new government's agenda.

The first order of business will be the election of a Speaker. The governing coalition has nominated Wade Mark for the post and has chosen Dr Fuad Khan for deputy Speaker.

In the Senate, Timothy Hamel Smith is expected to take charge as President, which puts him next in line to be head of state.

Proceedings start at 1.30 in the afternoon. You can watch live by clicking on this link to the Trinidad and Tobago Parliament