New look for House Speaker

Today was the first session of Parliament since Barbados’ transition to a Parliamentary Republic and House Speaker Arthur Holder was donning a new gown, designed with the national colours, as he presided over the sitting.

“I sincerely believe that our pledge must represent our commitment to this fair land Barbados and should be reflected in our highest court, Parliament. And as the presiding officer, it is incumbent that my gown should portray one of the symbols of our new republic. The previous gown was made in England and bore no relationship to Barbados,” he told Barbados TODAY.

Holder described today’s session of Parliament as “a truly momentous occasion” which he said represented the culmination of a journey that commenced with Independence on November 30, 1966.