to the Throne Speech, we extend to the Progressive Labour Party Government our congratulations. We offer our good wishes for success in serving the best interests of all Bermudians. And, Mr. Speaker, we wish to make clear to both the Government and to the people of Bermuda, our pledge of genuine cooperation in helping to ensure good government for all Bermudians.

The Progressive Labour Party's victorious campaign captured 54 percent of the total votes cast. This majority of votes confirmed a desire for change in government and for the PLP to have the opportunity to lead the Country. The majority have spoken and we humbly acknowledge their decision.

Mr. Speaker. it is equally true that the United Bermuda Party received 44 percent of the total votes cast. We believe we earned this level of support because of the United Bermuda Party's proven ability to establish and manage one of the world's most successful economies; an economy that generates the financial resources to provide the many social programmes available to every Bermudian today. Excellent health care, dependable public transportation, successful educational institutions and superior Police and emergency services are but a few of the programmes presently enjoyed by the Bermudian people.

The ability to consistently provide and improve these and other programmes, while maintaining exceptionally low inflation and low unemployment is, we believe, why we earned such steadfast support from the community. The United Bermuda Party and its supporters can be rightfully proud of the consistent success, stability and growth that our Country has experienced.

Now, Mr. Speaker, it is the responsibility of the new Government to offer leadership to the Country.

It is the moral and constitutional obligation of the PLP Government to fulfill its oft-repeated campaign pledge to serve all of the people and ensure that young and old, native and resident, black and white will all benefit from what our Country offers. We in the Opposition stand ready to enthusiastically fulfill our role in ensuring the continuation of good government to benefit all of the people of Bermuda.

Mr. Speaker, we commit ourselves to working for the people and with the Government for the stability and growth of all of Bermuda. While remaining faithful to our principles, we seek to work in concert, not in conflict, with the Government.

We pledge to join our voices with the other members of Parliament to ensure that the vision of one Bermuda is fulfilled. Our words of encouragement will be clear while our words of disagreement will not be acrimonious. We are first and foremost Bermudians, and as Bermudians we must work together for the progress of our Country.

Mr. Speaker, it is easy to marginalise people and their ideas by the labels we attach. Throughout the world we see what damage this approach has wrought.

Bermuda must continue to pursue a different path. Our Country is viewed as a success story in the rest of the world -- a success story that never would have happened if we had measured our future potential by the small size of our population or our lack of any natural resources.

There has always been something unique about us ... a spirit, a belief, a determination to find a better way. We have come to many crossroads in our past. Through hard work, good judgment, and sometimes good fortune, we have persevered.

Mr. Speaker, we are again at a crossroads and we as a people must define how our political system can best serve all of Bermuda. Each individual in this House must examine the merits of each proposal and not merely its origins. We must weigh the common sense of new legislation, and not base our opinion on its proposer. Good ideas should be acted upon even if they have been proposed by the Opposition.

While the Government begins to draft legislative proposals, there are several bills that should be acted upon in order to meet the pressing needs of many Bermudians. We encourage the new Government to embrace these proposals where practicable. To that end Mr. Speaker, a list is included with this Response of legislation and regulations either requiring attention or already prepared by the United Bermuda Party Government for this Parliamentary Session.

This House must leave the adversarial governments of the past behind. Bermuda needs a government and a political process that works for all of the people; one that successfully addresses the challenges of the 21st Century.

Mr. Speaker, one of the long standing principles of the United Bermuda Party has been that of fiscal responsibility. The voters of this Country can be assured that it will continue to be a guiding principle for this Opposition.

History has proven that social progress and financial security are inexorably linked. Both are part of a critical balance that a country must attain before it can provide full opportunity, stability and peace for all of its people.

Over the past 18 months, the United Bermuda Party Government has embarked on a series of programmes that would better meet the social needs of our modern society. We are committed to these areas of development and protection. We are pleased to see the Progressive Labour Party Government moving in the same direction. There is a freedom gained with the inheritance of a strong and vibrant economic base. Solid grounding provides real choice when it comes to the provision and expansion of programmes that speak to the spirit of a country and the need for a modern, caring society. We will await the development of the PLP Government's specific plans in these areas with great interest.

Mr. Speaker, decisions made without regard to cost will unfairly burden future generations. There are too many countries whose citizens are staggering under overwhelming debt. We must never lose the balance between worthy ideals and practical, affordable delivery. We must never forget the simple principle that someone must always pay and that someone will always be the taxpayer.

Thus Mr. Speaker, please allow me to make it clear that when any Member of this Opposition asks the questions how and how much, it is not to undermine or to be negative. It is to hold this Government accountable, as we ourselves were held accountable, as any responsible Government must be held accountable, to the critical standards of fiscal responsibility and transparency.

As this House is well aware, the Government is presently operating based on the budget the United Bermuda Party presented during the early part of this year. We await the PLP Government's first budget in February with great anticipation. Their financial plan will set the standard by which this Government wishes to be judged and will outline the balance between fiscal and social responsibility they wish to maintain.

Mr. Speaker, the Opposition is encouraged by the general tenor of the new Government's first Throne Speech. It references many admirable ideals; ideals that the United Bermuda Party has long promoted and will continue to actively support: The continued improvement of Bermuda's educational system; The further strengthening of Bermuda's tourism industry: The ongoing process of increasing the efficiency and service delivery of government ministries and the court system; The continued enhancement of international business opportunities and; The continued safeguarding of Bermudians' quality of life.

These ideals enjoy our joint support.

However, it must be clear that the challenge has always been to turn good and admirable ideas into action. Many a good idea has failed in its implementation. Turning admirable ideas into prudent policies and effective legislation will require the best efforts of the Government and the Opposition acting in tandem.

Mr. Speaker, we must wait for further clarification and specific details in order to responsibly assess the merits or deficiencies of the Government's forthcoming legislation. It would be inappropriate for the Opposition to comment on proposals that have yet to be made. Premature commentary would only serve to undermine the standard that we wish to set as an effective Opposition.

However, there are some areas that do require immediate comment. Bermuda's education system must always ensure that each generation is fully equipped to meet the challenges ahead.

Initiatives designed to strengthen and broaden the education of both our young people and our adults are welcome but only if those initiatives are supported by sufficiently detailed implementation plans.

Introduction of attendance officers may be beneficial. Elected school boards may have merit. Mandated class sizes warrants further consideration.

However, these ideas, and the other proposals highlighted in the Throne Speech all have one thing in common ... they can only be properly evaluated and approved when the critical details have been provided. To date, the Progressive Labour Party has been long on ideas and short on details.

In addition, Mr. Speaker, the Government should adopt certain of the ideas detailed in the United Bermuda Party's Plan. The Opposition believes that these are all plans that deserve the Government's immediate attention for the the benefit of all Bermudians.

A new national savings plan to ensure that all parents can send their children to the best universities and colleges.

Ensuring that financial need is a key criteria in awarding government education grants, loans and bursaries.

Proceeding with the `one stop shop' facility for all seniors' services.

Completing the Monitor process to revitalise tourism.

Actively supporting the United Bermuda Party's Commission for Unity and Racial Equality's efforts to address fairness and equality in conjunction with the Human Rights Commission.

Working with the Bermuda College to develop an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement to ensure that Bermuda has a pool of trained and dedicated Bermudians for the Police Service.

Continuing to move Police officers from desk jobs into the community.

Implementing Transport 2000: the comprehensive plan to coordinate and manage all methods of transportation in Bermuda.

Aggressively pursuing the development of an E-Commerce industry in Bermuda.

Launching the Capital Assistance Programme for small Bermudian businesses and the start-up support programme proposed for Southside.

Mr. Speaker, the Opposition will support all those initiatives that meet the fundamental standards of accountability, transparency and fiscal responsibility, fulfill a practical need in our community and are developed in the best interest of all Bermudians.

It is also important to consider other items that were ignored in the new Government's first Throne Speech. The Progressive Labour Party clearly linked immigration policy with the provision of new job opportunities for Bermudians.

We would hope that any plans the Government has to follow through on this linkage will be discussed with the community and brought to this House for discussion in a timely manner.

In addition, Mr. Speaker, we have found no indication as to a continued Government commitment to the building of a half-way house and rehabilitation centre on the site already prepared for this purpose in the West End. We would ask that in the whole area of rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates and the creative use of alternative sentencing, the new Government use the ground work already laid by the previous government to avoid duplication and unnecessary time delays.

This would include the establishment of a Drug Court and an associated assessment centre which would go a long way to intervening early and creatively with young people who are starting along the wrong path in life. We would also hope that the Government is committed to forging ahead with the new Airborne programme as a cornerstone of the alternative sentencing goal.

Mr. Speaker, we maintain that it is crucial for the leaders of this community to continue to set high personal standards. This is why a United Bermuda Party Cabinet agreed to submit themselves to random drug testing. Our Shadow Cabinet has recommitted themselves to this type of programme. We can only ask that this entire House consider taking the same kind of action to reinforce in the community that `Drugs do not work here'. It is very important that we in this House set a leadership example to the whole community. It is something we would ask the Government to investigate at the earliest opportunity.

Mr. Speaker, it is clear that the outside world is never far from our shores.

Her Majesty's government will very soon produce a White Paper with serious and fairly immediate ramifications for our future. Whether the issues be those of citizenship or tax investigations instituted by the OECD or the European Union, Bermuda must always be prepared. The United Bermuda Party Government has already made initial presentations to address the OECD and EU investigations in which we vigorously defended Bermuda's position. While not mentioned in the Throne Speech, we think these issues are of paramount importance to Bermuda's future.

Mr. Speaker, we find it appropriate to address the vision this Opposition holds for the Country. It was most recently outlined in our Plan and nothing that has occurred in the intervening days has lessened our commitment to these ideals.

A vision is where you see yourself and your Country in the future. A vision defines what you value and what you strive to achieve. It is a picture of the world that you are always moving toward.

Our vision sees a Bermuda that is united. We see a Bermuda where our races, our genders and our generations are living in harmony with one another. We see a Bermuda that is free in expression and opportunity where the value of every individual is enhanced and recognised and where our diversity is a source of pride, not division.

Our vision sees a Bermuda where our neighbourhoods are safe and where communities care for their neighbours and work together. Our vision sees an end to illicit drug activity and to anti-social behaviours not because individuals fear punishment, but because the alternatives are so much better.

Finally Mr. Speaker, I would add, that our commitment to this Country includes full participatory democracy, fiscal responsibility and accountability. We are heading into the future together, and together we must work. We must all ensure that this Country is the best it can be for every man, woman and child within our shores. That is our commitment as members of the United Bermuda Party. That is our commitment as we collectively accept the responsibility of becoming an effective, strong and focused Opposition.

DR. GRANT GIBBONS -- Gave the reply to the Throne Speech.