Feature: Put away your party symbol if you visit Parliament

If you are a visitor to the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago, you will be required to follow certain rules, including a dress code and a code of behaviour.

However on examination of these rules it seems the guidelines apparently don't apply to members of Parliament - or some of them at least.

Here's an example, taken directly from the official website of Parliament:

"Admission to the Public Galleries is a privilege extended by Parliament, and strangers attending must conform with established forms of behaviour and dress.

"All persons entering the Chamber must, at all times, be dressed tidily. Accordingly, the following are not allowed:

1. Armhole T-shirts;
2. Slippers;
3. Short pants;
4. The displaying of signs or banners;
5. Apparel with Party emblems displayed thereon;
6. Apparel with obscene prints;
7. Track pants;"

Note what it says in number 5 above. One of the things not allowed is "apparel with Party emblems displayed theron".

However if you look at members of the People's National Movement you will see them conspicuously wearing their party's Balisier emblem. So while a visitor is banned from doing it, PNM members are always showing off what Colm Imbert calls their PNM "badge of honour".

The People's partnership is totally against this. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar made it clear that all members of her cabinet and her caucus must be neutral in the performance of their official duties.

That means no party symbols/emblems on official business, including attendance in Parliament.

Opposition leader Keith Rowley said last weekend he is thinking of changing the practice of wearing the PNM party symbol outside of party events. However some members strongly oppose the idea.

It was PNM founder Dr Eric Williams who introduced the Balisier tie and it has been a fixture among PNM members since 1956.

Can Rowley change it now?

Perhaps.

But for now, it's different strokes for different folks. PNM MPs will wear their party symbols but if you are are visitor to witness a sitting of Parliament, please leave all that party stuff at home.