Dr Patrick Allen and his wife, Patricia, walk down the steps of King's House on their way to the installation ceremony.

It was just like a cricket match; the rain came down about an hour before the start of play.

But not even the showers were going to stop the swearing-in of the new governor general, Dr Patrick Allen, at King's House yesterday.

Perhaps it was the heavens' way of weeping at one great man's farewell while offering tears of joy for the arrival of another.

Cushion-seated chairs, which were provided for dignitaries in the audience, had to be whisked inside King's House to prevent them from being soaked when the downpour came.

Wiping chairs

But there was no such luck for the general audience's plastic seating.

To save the day, a business-like muscle-flexing assault by members of the Jamaica Defence Force saw many of the chairs being wiped dry in time for another moment in history.

Sure, the seats had to be wiped anew and the now-wet grass made it a little unpleasant for the stiletto-wearing women but as they say on Broadway, the show must (and did) go on.

And what a show it was, from the music to the Sunday (or Saturday) best outfits, it was in keeping with the auspicious nature of the event.

As Dr Allen stood to take and subscribe the oath, the paparazzi zoomed in like special force soldiers, the sound of the shutters, the only noise, even among such a huge gathering. Outgoing Gover-nor General Sir Kenneth Hall assured his successor that the job was not only manageable, but exciting and satisfying.

PM reiterated belief

Prime Minister Bruce Golding reiterated his belief that "he will make a worthy successor."

But soon, it was time for the new man to speak. Like a batsman whose innings was eagerly anticipated, he did not disappoint, delivering a timely, moving speech, as he pleaded with all to believe in Jamaica and its people.

Members of the gathering exulted in 'yeses' and 'amens', reminiscent of His Excellency's times at the pulpit.

The baton has been passed in the land of wood and water. Jamaicans wait to see Dr Allen run his leg.

daviot.kelly@gleanerjm.com