Premier's remarks on the Throne Speech

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8: Premier Craig Cannonier today warned his new Government would have to take tough decisions.

He said: “At times they will be unpopular. But people can be assured that these legislative initiatives and policies will be in the interests of you, Bermuda – not for just one interest group or a small group of interest groups.”

Mr Cannonier – speaking after Governor George Fergusson delivered the Government’s legislative priorities for the year – added that the people of Bermuda had voted for change.

He said that the public wanted “safer neighbourhoods and streets – a Bermuda free of the incidence of gang violence.”

And he said they had voted for a brighter economic outlook, a lower national debt, more jobs and improved educational opportunities for young people.

Mr Cannonier added: “They voted to ensure that the current and emerging needs of the island’s valued senior citizens were met.”

He said: “In short, they voted for a one Bermuda, where people matter.”

Mr Cannonier said: “A key principle embedded in this Government agenda is transformation and redirection.

“As such, the people of Bermuda will have heard that economic recovery, jobs creation, enhanced public safety, improved educational opportunities for our young people and improved and more affordable healthcare will be among our Government’s priorities during the coming year.”

The Throne Speech outlined Government’s commitment to extending basic anti-discrimination protection to the island’s gay community, a pledge to re-open the special clinic at the KEMH for those without health insurance and boost police numbers to tackle gangs and gun crime.

Mr Cannonier added: “We will focus on fulfilling the potential of the Inter-Agency Gang Task Force to include greater community engagement by establishing a zero tolerance for the gang lifestyle.

“As an example, we will establish a gun bounty programme to capitalize on the growing role played by our citizens in bringing offenders to justice.

“With a focus on public safety and keeping our borders safe, this Government will further empower the Bermuda Regiment, but look to eliminate conscription. Bermuda must move with the times.”

Mr Cannonier said: “This is our first Throne Speech. It is consistent with our promises. The people of Bermuda can be assured that this Government will be focused and accountable for the delivery of these legislative initiatives and policies and others set out in the Speech from the Throne 2013. That they will have as their goal social and economic equality for all.”

Mr Cannonier thanked his Cabinet and Civil Servants for their work and contributions to the new Government.

And – in a personal note – he told the story of a young man whose father had drifted into substance abuse and turned to his son for financial help.

Mr Cannonier said the young man’s co-workers believed that he was trafficking drugs to the older man, who appeared to be a vagrant.

He added: “Instead of defending his actions, the son was more concerned with protecting and restoring his father’s dignity.

“I was that young man and my mission is still the same.

“As Premier, I can state that this Government is committed to restoring dignity and hope to the people of Bermuda.

“I believe that the true essence of life is to treat others as you would like to be treated – in everything that we do.

“We must remember that people matter. We must make the right decisions.

“Those decisions must not be based on a party, but must be centred on a people – the people of Bermuda.”