The Island faces “an economic storm that poses a grim threat to Bermuda’s way of life”, Governor George Fergusson told a packed Senate chamber yesterday, in a speech replete with references to job growth and reining in the public purse.

However, the Island’s Gross Domestic Product showed its “first growth in five years” in 2013, the Governor noted: a modest rise of almost 1 per cent — and he said this financial year could prove the year in which Bermuda, “after years of recession, finally moves from decline to real growth”.

The One Bermuda Alliance’s third Speech from the Throne commenced at 11am, with the Island’s “unsustainable” economic position likened to the storms that battered Bermuda last month and “revealed the living character of Bermuda”.

The Cabinet building was a bustle of activity as the wet weather plan kicked into gear and last-minute preparations were completed. Up until 1999, the Speech typically took place out of public view, but for that year it was moved on to the grounds of Cabinet. Thunderstorms sent yesterday’s ceremony indoors, with a concurrent cut in the usual pomp with the Bermuda Regiment.

Reading out the legislative programme for the coming year of Parliament, Mr Fergusson said the year ahead would bring immigration reforms and changes to corporate law, along with the pursuit of hotels and the America’s Cup — plus an end to conscription and a reform of cannabis laws.

Groundbreaking is to start next week on an $85 million cottage development at Ariel Sands, while phase two of the $90 million Fairmont Hamilton Princess refurbishment is under way.

The upcoming session of Parliament would result in an America’s Cup Act enacted, Mr Fergusson said, with a decision to be made on Bermuda’s chances to host the event before the year’s end.

Government fees regulations would be amended for the allocation of the Island’s radio frequencies used by telecommunications companies, to ensure fair access and encourage competition, while the Department of E-Commerce would use the year ahead to research best practices for cybersecurity. A new Energy Act would shift regulation of the Island’s energy sector to the Regulatory Authority of Bermuda, while proposals to harness the vacant “finger” at the LF Wade International Airport for solar power use would be sought.

Turning to recent “uncertainty and fear” expressed by public service workers over the spending cuts now under consideration by Government, Mr Fergusson said this financial year would bring a deficit of $267 million.

Although the Public Bodies Reform Bill is on hold, he warned civil service workers that they were employed “in an organisation that Bermuda can no longer afford to maintain at current levels”.

In conjunction with unions, “several” of the Island’s labour laws would be consolidated in one Act.

The Governor also listed a series of proposals under way to bring about economic growth: the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation, he said, had met 351 clients between January and May, supporting 46 small businesses — giving out $2.28 million in loans.

Legislation would be unrolled in the coming Parliamentary session to develop a domestic gaming industry, and the Hotels Concession Act is to be streamlined, Mr Fergusson told the Chamber. A feasibility study would look into the Island’s chances as an air navigation service provider.

On the topic of roadside breath tests, he said provisions would be put aside for preliminary breath testing.

To combat the allure of gang culture on Bermuda’s youth, the Mirrors Programme would be “better aligned” with the initiative Team Street Safe, and sports clubs, educators, community leaders and parents would be encouraged to network.

Meanwhile, MPs would be invited to approve new cannabis laws, paving the way for the legalisation of cannabinoid drugs for medical use, and a caution policy amendment granting greater discretionary powers to police officers.

In conjunction with the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service, ambulance coverage would be extended in the East End and West End.

The end of conscription and the creation of an all-volunteer Bermuda Regiment would go before MPs in the coming session, but will not threaten the Regiment’s abilities, Mr Fergusson said.

He added that criminal procedure would be reviewed for a “more efficient and effective” administration of justice, and a committee appointed to review domestic violence in Bermuda.

Turning to the issue of farming, Mr Fergusson said Government had already issued a permit for a small-scale fish farm and was interested in proposals for aquaculture and hydroponic vegetable production.

He told the Chamber, too, that a youth policy would be developed to give young people more of a voice in decision-making, while Government would introduce the Children Amendment Act 2014, which would require courts and a co-parenting council to mediate in custody disputes between divorced parents.

Public education reforms would continue, including a “middle school transformation programme” and a national strategy to boost students’ maths performance. A new school code of conduct would be brought in at all public schools, he said, while the Career Pathways programme would be expanded.

Teachers would be trained in IT education for primary schools, he said, and an inclusive and special education advisory committee would harness the input of parents. A Parent Involvement Committee would also be unrolled as a “direct response” to parents’ interest in having a greater input.

On the long-standing issue of Public Access to Information, set to become operational in April next year, Mr Fergusson said the legislation would “finally enable the public to shine light” on the work of Government — and members of the public would be invited to assist in Government’s internal deliberations.

“Bermuda has what it takes to overcome any challenge, any storm,” Mr Fergusson said in conclusion.

He said the Island faced a moment of truth and difficult decisions, adding: “The challenge of our time is also the opportunity of our time.”

• The full text of the Throne Speech can be viewed via the attendant link on this page under “Related Media”.