Two more portraits of deceased Presidents to be unveiled in Parliament today

Feb 10, 2012 News

Guyana’s 10th Parliament is set for a ceremonial opening today, complete with a military procession

Desmond Hoyte

and a speech by recently elected President Donald Ramotar in the presence of Members of Parliament, the Diplomatic Corp among other dignitaries.
And there will be some memorable features which will characterize the ceremonial opening of the Parliament Chambers, which have been stylishly refurbished.
Among the added features slated for the Chambers, are a number of portraits, inclusive of former presidents, the late Janet Jagan and the late Hugh Desmond Hoyte. This publication understands that the House will today unveil the portraits of the late Presidents.
These portraits will join those of their predecessors in the Chambers of Parliament, namely Arthur Chung and Linden Forbes Burnham and Cheddi Jagan.
It has been disclosed that the privilege of having a President’s portrait hung in the Chambers is reserved only for the deceased thus none of Bharrat Jagdeo is likely to be added to the collection just yet.
As such, as Head of State Donald Ramotar addresses the House, he will not do so under the gaze of his predecessor, Bharrat Jagdeo; at least not in the form of a portrait.
There are reports that an invitation was extended by President Ramotar to the former President but it is

Janet Jagan

not confirmed that he will attend the session.
This Publication understands that following the opening ceremony, the House is expected to convene and get right down to business and elect members of the various Standing Committees of the Parliament.