Breaking News: Gaming, young people, health care and education top issues in Throne Speech
Ruth O'Kelly-Lynch
Public consultation on gaming and addressing discriminatory practices against the elderly by insurance companies are two pledges the Government made in this morning’s Throne Speech.
Governor Sir Richard Gozney read out his first Throne Speech on Cabinet grounds today.
In it he announced that a national service programme will be implemented adding that, young men and women will be required to participate in mentoring and work experience programmes to expose youth to the rigours of the working world.
The Throne Speech focused largely on addressing issues facing the youth of the Island. On Monday Professor Ronald Mincy released a detailed report on the plight of young black males and today’s speech illustrated the first steps the Government will take to meet the needs of these men.
The Governor said Mirrors will get a permanent home on an island, at risk youth will be identified earlier, special programmes to help young men will be implemented in the schools and new policies will be put in place to address the gaps identified in the Mincy Report in equipping young black male to succeed in this economy.
Health care was also addressed with the Governor saying: “During this Session FutureCare will continue to be developed as previously undertaken, but not in the face of callous practices in the private sector.
“Legislation preventing discriminatory practices within the insurance industry will be a considered option, particularly as regards senior citizens.”
A Green Paper on gambling will also be released this year allowing the public to see “dispassionate research” on whether or not gambling would be beneficial to the Island’s tourism industry.
Some of the other pledges made in the Throne Speech were:
l Government will review the Commission on Unity and Racial Equality due to a perceived “lack of progress”.
l Amendments will be made to the Human Rights Act will made “to ensure that no person is discriminated against”
l Government will create a Visa Waiver Assistance Programme to encourage Bermudians to stay off the list US Stop List and provide assistance to those requiring visas to enter the US
l Portuguese will be taught in public schools
l A state of the art recording studio will be established to nurture local talent
l People released on bail will now be electronically tagged
l Amendments to the Hotel Concession Act will streamline the process and simplify claims requirements to encourage smaller hotel properties to avail of the benefits.
For a detailed look at the Throne Speech read tomorrow’s Royal Gazette.
