Picong for Rowley as Parliament meets for 2nd sitting

The 2nd sitting of the 10th Parliament started with Speaker Wade Mark pledging to be fair and balanced as he conducts the business of the House of Representatives on behalf of the people.

There were dignified preliminary remarks from all sides.

Opposition leader Keith Rowley praised Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar for her achievement of becoming the country's first female prime minister.

Rowley wished Persad-Bissessar "a successful term" and noted that Trinidad and Tobago made it possible for her to have made "a smooth transition from Opposition to Prime Minister, based not on gender but competence." He saw her as an inspiration for his two daughters.

The PNM leader promised support for the government in what is good for the country and pledged to vigorously oppose what was not.

Addressing the Speaker, Rowley expressed confidence that Mark would preside with fairness, impartiality, firmness and "of course a sense of humour".

He said notwithstanding what road Mark had travelled and with what results, the current post was a great victory for him, the House and the people.

He said the Opposition’s intention is to conduct business in the same vein that was started with Mark’s unanimous nomination.

The Prime Minister was generous in her remarks to her political opponent, wishing Rowley well.

She spoke of her first meeting with Rowley on the issue of the appointment of a police commissioner calling it "a good start for all of us".

Persad-Bissessar added that the people voted for the People’s Partnership administration and when the Government votes in the Parliament, it must be on behalf of the people.

She said it is a time for new beginnings and “a new day” with the Tenth Parliament.

And she brought the House down with laughter as she tossed some picong at Rowley, wishing him a long term as opposition leader.

"I also sat in that chair," she told the opposition leader, "it was a short stay but I do wish you a long stay and I wish you a successful term...I hope you are so successful you get a second term," she said as the government side erupted in laughter.