2013 Throne speech full version

2013 Speech from the Thone

Madame President and Members of the Senate

Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Assembly

The Government which was elected on 17 December 2012 is committed to bringing

about safer neighbourhoods and streets and freedom from the violence that blights

many of them. It is committed to a stronger, well-managed economy and reduced

public debt.

The Government aims to increase employment and to improve educational

opportunities for Bermuda’s young people. It aims to provide better care for our senior

citizens and more affordable healthcare.

The Government will encourage respect in the daily discourse — respect for each

other and for our institutions and respect for the environment in which we live.

The new Government believes it understands the hopes of the people of Bermuda and

sets out on its journey toward a new day, firm in its intention to act for the realization

of those hopes. The laws and policies that the Government brings to Bermuda in

this new Legislative Year, and beyond, will be guided, simply and solely, by the best

interests of the people of Bermuda.

All those who will be involved, whether they be elected officials or civil servants, have

been directed by the Premier to remember that in all their decision-making, it is

respect for that which we have in common — the human element — that must guide

their actions.

Madame President and Members of the Senate

Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Assembly

Bermuda is experiencing one of the most challenging periods in its long and illustrious

history.

The new Government believes it will need to find ways of encouraging increased levels

of cooperation, trust and loyalty among all sectors of the community. Cooperation is

going to be of paramount importance in the fight against violent crime, in the effort

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to create jobs and in the effort to manage our Island so that all of us, rich and poor,

Bermudian and non-Bermudian, of all political stripes, have a stake in getting the

job done.

Failure to join hands across racial, political, cultural, economic and business lines

will thwart efforts in this regard. Tough decisions will be required. Without them,

there will be no resolution to the problems we face.

The Government believes that the decisions it makes must be in the interest of the

whole, not that of any special interest group, and that our decisions must be centred

on care for the well-being of people. The Government hopes all Parliamentarians will

embrace that philosophy as it tries to restore Bermuda’s quality of life.

Madame President and Members of the Senate

Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Assembly

Bermuda has the potential to soar in virtually every sphere. Bermuda can shore up

its position as a world leader in insurance, reinsurance, international business and

finance. Bermuda can re-establish itself as a premier tourism destination. Bermuda

can have a first-class public education system and shape pathways for its young

people to be on the world stage. Bermuda can produce the next Earl Cameron, inspire

the next Picasso, help cure disease and design cutting-edge computer software. There

is no bar to our success.

This Government will take every measure to ensure that we live up to our potential

and that no one is left behind as it strives to recover, rebuild and restore the promise

of Bermuda — to make it Number One again.

Madame President and Members of the Senate

Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Assembly

Government begins its term in office with the country in poor economic condition.

Bermuda is finishing its fourth consecutive year of economic contraction. By contrast,

the economic contraction in the US lasted barely one year.

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The weak Bermuda economy has affected Bermudians from virtually all walks of

life: international companies have left or downsized, tourism remains weak, retail

sales have levelled off after falling for 36 consecutive months, property values have

declined, businesses have failed, unemployment is widespread and some people are

in peril of losing the family home because they cannot make the mortgage payments.

Government has shared in the distress. Falling tax revenues coupled with stubbornly

high costs have caused large operating deficits resulting in spiralling public debt.

The Government’s Jobs and Economic Turnaround Plan will put Bermuda on the road

to recovery by restoring much needed confidence, stimulating investment, creating

new jobs and laying the foundation for future growth and shared prosperity. The

Government will simultaneously reform or abolish a number of policies, practices and

systems that have hampered economic growth.

To promote job creation, the Government will introduce amendments to the Payroll

Tax Act 1995 and the Payroll Tax Rates Act 1995 whereby local employers will be

provided with a two-year payroll-tax exemption for new Bermudian hiring, from the

actual day of hiring up to two years from the date of that day.

To expedite job creation, Government has formed the Economic Development

Committee [EDC] whose mandate is to reduce the red tape and time it takes to get

approvals for large development projects from the planning stage to the job-creation

stage. The committee is comprised of the Premier as Chairman and the Ministers

of Economic Development, Finance, Home Affairs, Public Works and Tourism

Development and Transport.

Instead of applicants getting approvals from various Departments in series, that is,

one at a time, the EDC will concentrate the process so that approvals can be secured

in parallel or simultaneously. By accelerating the approvals process, the Government

is aiming to accelerate job creation.

The Jobs and Economic Turnaround Plan requires disciplined financial management

that will eliminate wasteful Government spending and reduce the public debt.

To assist with this initiative, the Government will table legislation to establish a

Spending and Government Efficiency [SAGE] Commission. This Commission’s

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primary objective will be to streamline Government processes, including Quangos,

improve delivery of services and make Government more efficient, more cost-effective,

more transparent and more user-friendly. The SAGE Commission will include a broad

and diverse range of individuals and provide public independent guidance and advice

to the Government.

The SAGE Commission will commence its work as soon as is practicable following

enactment of the required legislation and will submit its recommendations and final

report not later than six months after it commences work. The Commission will

terminate its work upon submission of its final report.

Madame President and Members of the Senate

Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Assembly

Bermuda has seen a sharp increase in its absolute level of debt. The Government

considers this growth in public debt unacceptable. In order to achieve satisfactory

management of existing debt, the Government will create the Public Debt Advisory

Board whose members will be drawn from the private sector. This Board’s purpose

will be to provide the Minister of Finance with strategic, unbiased and sound advice

on the Government’s existing and future borrowing requirements.

Large sums of unpaid taxes are owed to Government. The Office of the Tax

Commissioner will work with other Government Departments and agencies and

introduce amendments to tax-related legislation in order to strengthen and improve

the collection of Government taxes.

Amendments to the Contributory Pensions Act 1970 will enhance the protection

of employee benefits by improving operational efficiencies within the Department

of Social Insurance, particularly with respect to the receipt of social insurance

contributions, payment of benefits and the recovery of outstanding contributions.

In accordance with provisions of the Pensions (Increase) Act 1972, the Minister

of Finance will conduct a biennial review of the rates of pensions paid for retired

Government employees to ensure they keep up with the cost of living. The resulting

Order will be introduced into the Legislature during this Legislative Session.

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Madame President and Members of the Senate

Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Assembly

The Ministry of Economic Development is committed to facilitating sustainable

growth and job creation in Bermuda’s international business sector, as well as a wide

range of other sectors.

This new Ministry will work with the private sector to create a more welcoming

environment for both local and international business — currently the largest driver

of jobs and economic growth in Bermuda. Sustaining the existing group of companies

that already call Bermuda home is as important as attracting even more business to

our shores. More than 60% of employees in international business are Bermudian

and these jobs must be maintained in Bermuda.

During his recent trip to Washington, DC for the Inauguration of President Barack

Obama, the Premier had the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue with a

number of influential politicians and business people from the eastern seaboard of

the United States. They expressed interest in fostering new business relationships

with Bermuda and will soon visit our Island to extend those conversations. With

business-friendly policies and practices in place, Bermuda will be well positioned to

leverage new investment opportunities in the United States and around the world.

The Ministry of Economic Development will work in close cooperation with other

Ministries to streamline Governmental approvals through the implementation of a

coordinated and integrated team approach. As new business proposals are presented,

the Ministry will be in a position to provide a much more disciplined approach

to analyzing and assessing those proposals and coordinating the Government’s

response. The objective is to provide job creators with a consistent point of contact

and a seamless, timely, efficient and thorough response.

To realize its goals for growth, the Ministry of Economic Development will work in

partnership with the private sector to establish and implement fully the Bermuda

Business Development Corporation. As a public-private partnership, this important

new entity will function as the principal marketing and business development body

for international business.

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Madame President and Members of the Senate

Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Assembly

Small business and entrepreneurs are also an important source of jobs and growth.

Therefore, the operation of the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation will be

reviewed to ensure that it provides effective support and guidance to its clients and

that the Economic Development Zones are delivering value.

Regular reviews and amendments to the Companies Act 1981 and other businessrelated

legislation will be undertaken to increase Bermuda’s competitiveness as

a place to do business. Areas that will be addressed in this coming year include

legislative amendments that will encourage more private equity, asset management

and trust business and make the Island’s partnership legislation more effective.

The Telecommunications and Energy Sectors are critical in ensuring an optimal

business environment. The Ministry of Economic Development will work with

both industries to ensure that Bermuda’s infrastructure meets high standards, is

sustainable and cost-effective and that it addresses the needs of Bermuda’s businesses

and households in 2013 and beyond.

Progress in Telecommunications reform is a priority. The Ministry will oversee the

launch of a Regulatory Authority by the end of the first quarter. The Authority will

provide independent and cost-effective regulation and thereby encourage fair and

competitive business practices. It is anticipated that this will lead to investment,

job growth and better products, bandwidth, speed and pricing for consumers. The

Authority will initially focus on regulating the Telecommunications industry, but it

will be structured to allow for other sectors, such as Broadcasting and Energy, to fall

ultimately under its jurisdiction.

In order to ensure that Bermuda meets international standards while protecting

privacy and intellectual property, the Department of E-Commerce will advance the

development of contemporary privacy and data protection legislation.

The Department of Civil Aviation will implement an aggressive growth plan coupled

with proposed legislative amendments to increase aircraft registrations and financing.

Both the Maritime Registry and Civil Aviation are anticipated to be important areas

of growth and jobs over the next few years.

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Madame President and Members of the Senate

Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Assembly

Government is committed to ensuring that Bermudian jobs are protected and barriers

to job creation are removed.

After consulting with the Work Permit Stakeholder group, which included union

representation, the decision to abolish the term limit policy was taken to remove

what had become a barrier to job creation for Bermudians. Immigration policy will

be changed to ensure that in the process of issuing permits to guest workers, their

limited residency rights are made clear to them.

To reinforce the protection of the rights of Bermudians to work in their own country,

legislation will be amended to increase penalties to employers who breach immigration

rules.

The Government is keen to deal with longstanding appeals that have been submitted

to the Immigration Appeals Tribunal for consideration. Therefore, the Bermuda

Immigration and Protection Appeals Rules 2013 will be amended to ensure that

individuals are not penalized by decisions affecting their rights or legitimate

expectations unless they have been given prior notice of the case and fair opportunity

to answer and present their own case.

The name of the Department of Labour and Training will be changed to the Department

of Workforce Development, incorporating the Bermuda Technical Education and

Workforce Development Agency.

The new Bermuda Technical Education and Workforce Development Agency will

include a National Training Centre in the former Magistrates’ Court building at the

corner of Reid and Parliament Streets. Occupational Advisory Committees consisting

of industry experts will be revived and National Certification and assessment

programmes will be linked to the Ministry of Education’s Career Pathways Programme

to begin the development of a culture of lifelong learning in Bermuda.

Madame President and Members of the Senate

Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Assembly

The land licence requirement for the purchase of additional dwellings for married

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couples that include a Bermudian and a non-Bermudian spouse will be set aside. In

removing the licensing requirement, the Government will put in place measures to

prevent any potential loss of land that would otherwise be eligible for Bermudian

purchase.

The Charities Act 1978 will be amended to protect the public interest. The definition

of a charitable organization will be expanded to include entities that raise funds from

private sources such as trusts and foundations. Offences will be established for nondisclosure

and non-distribution of public funds. The Charity Commissioners will be

given the required power to monitor and investigate complaints.

Madame President and Members of the Senate

Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Assembly

The Government is steadfast in its commitment to revitalize the tourism industry

— to improve its infrastructure, increase the number of beds, lengthen the time

our visitors spend here and improve the range and quality of activities available to

visitors.

As part of its commitment to create jobs and enhance Bermuda’s standing as a

first-class destination, the Department of Tourism will prioritize the training of

Bermudians for positions in the hospitality industry.

To help it achieve these goals, the Department of Tourism intends to launch a

Product Development Bureau, a temporary body to seek out innovative, dynamic new

excursions, tours and other enhancements of Bermuda’s tourism offering. The Bureau

will hold a Product Development Conference to solicit initiatives from the public.

By reaching out to the community, the Ministry hopes to receive ideas that originate

from Bermuda’s best ambassadors, Bermudians themselves. Having identified the best

and most sustainable ideas, the Bureau, in partnership with the Bermuda Economic

Development Corporation, local banks and others in the private sector, will seek to

support successful entrepreneurs with commercial and promotional assistance.

A Tourism Authority will be established within six months. Current research on

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the subject of how such authorities are developed will be supplemented by visits to

jurisdictions overseas that have successfully created such bodies.

A key next step in this endeavour is to form a Transition Task Force to oversee a

smooth transition from Tourism’s current way of doing business to the new system.

This group will comprise senior Ministry staff, a representative from the Bermuda

Public Services Union, the chairman-designate and a representative from the

Department of Human Resources.

Madame President and Members of the Senate

Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Assembly

The Ministry of Tourism Development and Transport is normally the Government’s

first point of contact for those who are interested in hotel and resort development

in Bermuda. These developments will now be handled through the Economic

Development Committee. Additionally, it is hoped that a Tourism Priority Policy will

emerge from a comprehensive consultative process addressing the recommendations

and initiatives set out in the National Tourism Plan.

In its efforts to advance the local tourism industry, the Government will alter the

mandate of the Special Cabinet Committee on Hotel Development to address all

hospitality investment and development.

The Government intends to repeal the Park Hyatt Resort (St. George’s) Act 2008 and

take every step it can to ensure the selection of a new developer for the former Club

Med site in St. George’s. The prosperity of St. George’s will be a top priority of the

Government during the new Legislative term.

Madame President and Members of the Senate

Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Assembly

Successful accommodation of Norwegian Cruise Lines’ Breakaway, scheduled to

arrive in Bermuda in May with up to 4,000 passengers, is an immediate priority.

Breakaway will be the largest cruise ship ever to visit Bermuda. It will require a

coordinated and efficient response from all of our transportation services, including

buses, ferries, taxis and mini-buses. It is worth noting that 10 new public buses are

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on order for delivery this year and other options to increase ferry lift capacity are

under consideration.

Overall dimensions of cruise ships continue to increase. In order to remain competitive

in this ever-growing market, the Government intends to upgrade our ports of entry

to ensure Bermuda remains an attractive destination for cruise lines. Work will be

carried out at Heritage Wharf in Dockyard this year, with required additional work

at the adjoining King’s Wharf to be carried out next year.

Taxis are a major part of the Island’s transportation landscape. The Government will

work with taxi owners and operators to help them become a more effective and bettercoordinated

group. Legislation will be revised, making GPS in taxis optional.

The Department of Marine and Ports Services is to adopt a new digital mapping

system based upon GPS position fixing. The Government also hopes to find ways to

ensure less disruption of the ferry service because of inclement weather.

Madame President and Members of the Senate

Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Assembly

The strongest emphasis must be placed on a safe Bermuda. Bermuda cannot move

forward unless communities are secure, families are protected and children are safe

from harm. A safe environment is also essential to maintaining the Island’s image as

a jurisdiction of choice for business and as a place to live.

The Government recognizes that the causes of crime are deep and wide-ranging and

that solutions lie beyond the reach of strict law enforcement. Bermuda cannot simply

arrest its way out of gang violence problems. Community-based problems require

community-based solutions. The Government therefore will fulfil the potential of

the Inter-Agency Gang Task Force to include greater community engagement in

eliminating the gang lifestyle. The Ministry of Public Safety will host a Roundtable

Series of meetings with community partners to advance the Community/Prevention

objective of the Inter-Agency Task Force, whereby all relevant programmes are focused

on positively engaging young people to lessen the pull toward gang involvement.

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A Bermuda Operation Ceasefire programme will be crafted and implemented. This

programme will incorporate comprehensive best practice gang mediation operations

from street worker engagement through to positive lifestyle change in Bermuda’s

young people.

Madame President and Members of the Senate

Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Assembly

Sports clubs and community organizations have tremendous potential to influence

positively the lives of Bermudians young and old. To strengthen their operations, the

Government will foster private sector partnerships to make accounting, administration

and business planning skills freely available to them. Further support will be provided

through implementation of the “Cash Back for Communities” programme whereby

confiscated assets and cash will be directly allocated in support of sports clubs and

community organizations.

When the National Drug Commission was disbanded in 2006, the National Drug

Commission Act 1993 was repealed, leaving the current Department for National

Drug Control without a documented mandate. The Government will table the National

Drug Commission Act 2013 to ensure that the mandate, roles and responsibilities

for the Department for National Drug Control are clearly set out. Additionally, the

Government will refine and implement the National Drug Control Master Plan.

The use of illicit drugs in Bermuda is a problem that could benefit from leadership by

example. The Government will, therefore, implement a policy whereby all Government

Members of the Legislature will be subject to random, mandatory drug testing. A

paper outlining the policy details will be released shortly. Members of the Opposition

will be invited to participate.

Madame President and Members of the Senate

Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Assembly

The vibrant Neighbourhood Watch system must be supported as Bermuda’s residents

bravely commit to taking back their communities. The Government will further

enhance the system’s effectiveness by providing residents with information on what

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is happening within their neighbourhoods. “Neighbourhood Watch 2.0” will notify

residents via voice call and text message with public safety alerts. Smart use of

technology is a best practice tool in the fight for safer communities.

The Government, in partnership with CrimeStoppers, will lead a Gun Bounty

Programme to capitalize on the growing role played by citizens in bringing offenders

to justice. This programme will provide cash incentives for information that leads to

the confiscation of weapons. The Government will deploy every available resource in

the fight to get guns off our streets.

Madame President and Members of the Senate

Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Assembly

Since the rise in gun violence in 2009, the support provided to the Bermuda Police

Service has produced clear results with arrests and convictions up significantly.

Government will do all it can to support robust Police enforcement. Legislation will

be tabled to make breaches of parole arrestable offences, further strengthening the

enforcement regime needed to disrupt the rhythm of gang members.

To support the Police in their efforts to maintain high visibility and focus on crime

fighting priorities, the Government will fund a further Recruit Foundation Course in

2013/14, contributing approximately 20 more Police Officers to the fight against guns,

gangs, drugs and violence.

Additionally, the Government will support a strong recruitment drive for the Bermuda

Reserve Police who provide invaluable support to Police operations.

The Government is determined to eliminate conscription and already the full time

role of the Bermuda Regiment is being enhanced to assume certain responsibilities

now borne by the Police. Prior to the legislative action required to effect this change,

the National Security Review will be fully supported with a view to prescribing what

is best for Bermuda and the role of the security services in the future. Bermuda’s

borders must be protected and there is strength in joint operations and an enhanced

maritime role uniting the uniformed services in interdiction and maritime safety.

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Madame President and Members of the Senate

Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Assembly

A natural evolution of the judiciary in progressive jurisdictions around the world is to

create specialized Courts as needs arise. Bermuda has risen to the occasion with the

establishment of the Drug Treatment Court and the Family Court. Each is mandated

to steer away from the exclusively punitive approach that was formerly the hallmark

of the justice system.

Bermuda can no longer ignore the significant challenge presented by those who commit

crimes, but who are mentally ill. The current pattern of mentally ill Bermudians

repeatedly entering and exiting the criminal justice is damaging to them, poses

unacceptable risks to society and cannot be allowed to continue. Such persons present

unique judicial challenges with profound human rights dimensions. It is incumbent

upon the Government to put in place a legislative framework that ensures they are

dealt with appropriately by the judicial system.

During this Legislative Session, the Government will assess the feasibility of a

specialized Court to deal with the judicial challenges presented by the mentally

ill. The Government will work closely with judiciaries in other countries that have

benefitted from the establishment of such Courts. Accordingly, the Legislature will be

invited to consider the following items:

• Amendments to the Mental Health Act 1968 to facilitate assessment and

treatment of mentally ill offenders;

• Amendments to the Magistrates Act 1948 and corresponding legislation to

create a Mental Health Treatment Special Court; and

• Amendments to the Criminal Code Act 1907 to allow for the appropriate

disposition of mentally ill offenders.

Madame President and Members of the Senate

Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Assembly

The Government will, during the next Legislative Session, prioritize containment

of the cost of Legal Aid. Bermuda, like other jurisdictions that offer Legal Aid to

their citizenry, is faced with the challenge of finding a sustainable balance between

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ensuring that justice is not denied to those who need it and safeguarding the public

purse from an unsustainably burdensome demand. The past three years have seen

both an increase in hourly rates applicable in accordance with provisions of the

Legal Aid Act 1980 and a significant increase in the number of applicants for the

service, both phenomena leading to the inevitable increase in the Legal Aid budget.

Consequently, the Legislature will be invited to consider amendments to the Legal

Aid Act that emphasize containment of costs.

Madame President and Members of the Senate

Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Assembly

The Government is fully committed to reforming the public education system to

equip Bermuda’s young people with the skills and training they need to secure goodpaying

jobs and pursue fulfilling careers. The Government will follow through on

recommendations in the “Hopkins Report” and begin the necessary steps to introduce

an integrated technical curriculum starting at the middle school level.

The Career Pathways Programme will be expanded to provide new ladders of

opportunity into the technical, culinary, hospitality and financial services sectors.

The programme, which currently provides real life exposure to career options for

Secondary 3 students, will be expanded to include Secondary 4 students.

Consultation has begun on an extended school day designed to provide more time for

music, arts, sports and additional academic assistance for those students who need

extra help.

Madame President and Members of the Senate

Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Assembly

Effective early intervention is a key contributor to lifelong learning and success.

Therefore, the Government will invest in the expansion of early childhood screenings

beyond the age of two years in order to help parents identify problems as soon as they

become apparent. These early childhood screenings will now be available for children

up to the age of four years and throughout the full calendar year.

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Madame President and Members of the Senate

Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Assembly

Great teachers make a significant difference in the educational lives of their students.

To provide the best quality teachers, Government will improve teacher recruitment

by raising the bar on teaching qualifications for all subject areas. Government will

also work with teachers and principals to improve performance in the classroom.

The Government will table a Green Paper on Special Education seeking input on the

development of a policy to accommodate students with special needs.

Madame President and Members of the Senate

Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Assembly

The Government will reopen a Medical Clinic to provide primary care for Bermudians

who cannot afford health insurance. Ensuring their access to primary care physicians

and wellness programmes will lead to a reduction in the number of people seeking

care at the Emergency Department and requiring admission to the Hospital, the two

places where healthcare is the most expensive, leading to possible reductions in the

total cost of healthcare.

Since the inception of FutureCare, concerns have been expressed that the premiums

charged are unfair for policy holders who pay significantly more for the same benefits.

The Government will take steps to ensure that seniors who purchase FutureCare pay

the same premium. Any social health insurance product sold by the Government will

be affordable and offer competitive benefits. Bermuda’s seniors will continue to be

protected, but costs will be fair for all.

Bermuda’s senior population will grow significantly over the next decade, increasing

demand for places in nursing and residential care homes. Government will make

sure these homes meet the highest standards of care possible. To that end, the

Government will introduce amendments to the Residential Care Homes and Nursing

Homes Act 1999 and the Residential Care Homes and Nursing Homes Regulations

2001 in order to bring local regulatory requirements in line with international best

practice standards.

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The cost of prescription drugs can be a burden on anyone, whether or not they have

health insurance. Currently, the Island’s medical practitioners are diligent in trying

to ensure that their patients have access to generic drugs where appropriate, but the

prescribing system can be improved. The Government will introduce amendments to

the Pharmacy and Poisons Act 1979 which will mandate the prescribing of prescription

generic drugs unless the physician specifically requires a trade name product.

Madame President and Members of the Senate

Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Assembly

There is no place for discrimination in Bermuda in any form. Government believes all

people must be treated with fairness and dignity, regardless of race, religion, gender,

age or sexual orientation. To expand the protection of human rights, amendments

to the Human Rights Act 1981 will be introduced to ensure no one is discriminated

against on the basis of age or sexual orientation.

Government will introduce amendments to the Children Act 1998 to include a

provision for Shared Parenting Orders.

To manage the challenges associated with some financial assistance clients, the

Government will introduce amendments to the Financial Assistance Act 2001 and

the Child Day Care Allowance Act 2008 requiring mandatory life skills programmes,

such as money management and parenting skills courses. These programmes will be

required as a condition of award for clients deemed by the Department of Financial

Assistance to require such services.

Since some applicants seeking financial assistance are either known or suspected

substance abusers, the Government will introduce amendments to the Financial

Assistance Act 2001 to provide for a mandatory referral through the Bermuda

Assessment and Referral Centre where it is determined by a Financial Assistance

Social Worker that a client could benefit from an assessment and treatment services.

Further amendments to the Financial Assistance Act 2001 will require unemployed,

able-bodied persons, who would otherwise qualify for financial assistance, to

participate in community service activities as a condition of continued eligibility.

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This condition would apply if they have not found employment three months after

receiving their initial grant.

Madame President and Members of the Senate

Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Assembly

To facilitate job-creating activities, Government will determine changes needed to

improve the time taken to obtain a Planning decision and to ensure an efficient and

customer-friendly Planning regime.

The Government will build upon an earlier legislative amendment that ensured

that Special Development Orders would be subject to Parliamentary scrutiny

by implementing a protocol that is clearly articulated, transparent and fair. This

protocol will guide the request for, consideration of and grant of Special Development

Orders, enabling the Minister responsible to be fully informed about all Planning

policy, technical and national issues prior to making a decision.

The Government will begin a process of public consultation that will culminate in

the creation of the Southlands National Park in Warwick. This initiative will see an

area of parkland, roughly the size of the Botanical Gardens, designed, protected and

opened to the public.

Madame President and Members of the Senate

Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Assembly

The Government will effect a number of improvements in the Island’s infrastructure.

Beginning this year, the Government will resurface 10 kilometres of the approximately

200 kilometres of public roads and do so annually to ensure they do not deteriorate

further and remain safe for all users.

Over the next year, the Government will undertake an extensive review of the

Island’s street lighting to ensure that the safety and security needs of the populace

are enhanced in an efficient, sustainable and cost-effective way. The Government will

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also pursue new and innovative ways to reduce the impact of street lighting on the

Island’s overall carbon footprint through the use of LED technology and advanced

control techniques.

Whilst preliminary work on a new design for the Causeway Bridge was completed

some years ago, the Government has determined that immediate action is required,

as with each intervening storm or hurricane the risk of a catastrophic failure at the

Causeway increases. To this end, the Government will undertake a review of the

existing design with the aim of determining the best way forward to ensure that the

Island remains connected to the airport at all times.

Madame President and Members of the Senate

Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Assembly

In addition to those legislative initiatives already mentioned, the Legislature will

be invited during this Session to consider amendments to a number of Acts and

Regulations, including:

Stamp Duty Act 1976

Payroll Tax Act 1995

The Payroll Tax Rates Act 1995

Taxes Management Act 1976

Corporate Services Tax Act 1995

Land Valuation and Tax Act 1967

Foreign Currency Purchase Tax Act 1975

Legal Aid (Scale of Fees) Regulations 1980

Legal Aid (General) Regulations 1980

Firearms Act 1973

Pharmacy and Poisons Act 1979

Companies Act 1981

Supreme Court Act 1905

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Bermuda Educators Council Act 2002

Education Rules

Children Act 1998

Pensions Increase Order 2013

Pensions (Public Service Superannuation Act 1981) (Increase) Order 2013

Madame President and Members of the Senate

Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Assembly

The aforementioned laws and policies will have as their underpinning adherence to the

principles of good governance, transparency, accountability, fairness and justice for

all. With integrity and the human element as its hallmarks, Government is confident

that with the support of the people of Bermuda, the challenges will be overcome and

that obstacles will be turned into stepping stones to a brighter, more prosperous

tomorrow for all. The Government has embarked on a mission to restore the promise

of Bermuda and to make sure the Island passed on to younger generations is safe and

just, fair and free.

A benign convention allows the Governor to add a few words to the Throne Speech.

It is not long since most of us were gathered here for the same important ceremony,

with a different Speech. I noted then that Bermuda had a proud tradition of

managing its regular democratic choice in a way that was efficient and fair. This was

demonstrated again in December. That work is important, sometimes difficult and

should not be taken for granted; and it will always need effort to stay in the forefront

of best practice. I add my thanks to that of the wider community to those who made

the election work.

I take this opportunity to thank former Premier Paula Cox, first for the welcome

and advice which she gave to a new Governor. And, second, for her work, with her

Ministerial colleagues, on behalf of Bermuda.

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I wish the new Government, which has been formed following the election, well in

facing the challenges of today’s world. Many of the bigger challenges relate to the

economy and the management of the public finances. But events in recent weeks have

underlined the need for the whole community to work to address the causes as well

as the violent symptoms of the gang phenomenon. I will work with the Government,

and with those beyond government who have a vital role to play, to play my part in

ending this corrosive source of so much pointless misery.

Madame President and Members of the Senate

Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Assembly

I declare this Session of the Legislature open; and may God guide you and grant you

wisdom in your deliberations.

George Fergusson

Governor and Commander-in-Chief

Bermuda

8 February 2013