The Massive turn out of UNC party supporters failed to materialize at the official opening of Parliament today. Only a handful of supporters were present on the Brian Lara Promenade.

The election of the Speaker of The House of Representatives seems to be heading to the courts as they battle in the parliament. It seems the constitution of Trinidad and Tobago provides for the nomination issue to be taken to court. Two former Speakers Nizam Mohammed and Hector Mc Lean suggested that once there is no defeat of the PNM nomination for Speaker Professor Max Richards18 for-18 against being the final count the constitution provides for the decision to be taken to the High Court for the courts to make that final decision. This turn seems to be taking the opposition totally unaware because their objective was - according to the UNC leader Basdeo Panday- “to frustrate the process of electing a Speaker” thereby leading to a quick call for election. If the Speaker can be elected via the court then their plans have apparently backfired.

In related news no opposition senators could be appointed to the Senate today because there is no Leader of Opposition in place. Given that Basdeo Panday did not take up the position of Leader of the Opposition there could be no appointment of the 6 opposition senators to House of Senate. The 16 government senators and 9 independent senators were sworn in. Dr Linda Baboolal was elected President of the Senate.