was delivered by Leader Jennifer Smith in the House of Assembly on Friday: TELECOMMUNICATIONS Mr. Speaker, on the crest of the next millennium Bermuda is seeing expanded opportunities in the Telecommunications market. The Throne Speech was sadly lacking any new initiatives to ensure Bermudians expanded participation in this area.

Mr. Speaker, while the recent deregulation of our local market is a step in the right direction, a PLP Government would see that more is done to ensure additional Bermudians participation in this exciting new area.

The opportunity for jobs and training for our residents must be a priority with the developments in this industry.

Mr. Speaker, Government's statements about computers in schools and the benefits of the Internet and preparing for the 21st Century would carry more weight if they were combined with a programme to ensure that all Bermudians had access to this 21st Century communication tool.

Mr. Speaker, a PLP Government would ensure that no one was left out of the future by reducing the tax on computers and promoting internet access for the entire population. We all know that computers are educational and help develop needed skills -- but access to computers at home is essential. Through a programme of tax incentives we want to extend this benefit to as many homes as possible.

FINANCE Mr. Speaker, although there is no specific mention of Government's plans for the coming year from a financial or budgetary perspective one would expect that they have already begun formulating a strategic plan to fund the proposals outlined in this year's Throne Speech.

Mr. Speaker, we have frequently been witness to Government's ad hoc revenue generation policies, which typically lack foresight and widespread support from the community.

Mr. Speaker, we see clear evidence of this through the recent announced withdrawal of the very controversial Professional Registration Act. We note with interest that this year's speech also makes mention of a Professional Surveyors Registration Bill.

Mr. Speaker, the UBP Government is all too quick to claim credit for the success of the International Business sector and its continued growth.

However, Mr. Speaker, much of the success of this sector has been due to big business doing their own planning, strategising and positioning of the island for what has been an explosion of International Business.

Mr. Speaker, the PLP's intention of establishing a Ministry of International Business has been presented to many in the international company arena and has received a positive reception as people learn that such a Ministry will give full service under one roof.

Mr. Speaker, the fact that Government has not followed common practice to protect Government Health Plan funds, and the consolidated fund, from catastrophic medical costs by reinsuring their health insurance is a matter of grave concern.

Base Lands Mr. Speaker the persistent and transparent attempts by the government to conceal its intentions for Morgans Point and the rest of the Base lands is neither healthy nor fair to the People, and serves to further fuel the flames of frustration in this country. A PLP Government would respond to the wishes and pleas of the people of St. George's, Sandys and Bermuda as a whole, to use the Base lands in part for the provision of affordable Housing as Wedco and the Bermuda Housing Corporation embark on a campaign of tenant evictions.

There is room in our land proposals for uses that will provide employment and business opportunities and government revenues.

LEGISLATION Mr. Speaker, the challenges of the 21st Century must be prepared for today! As important as they are, neither the Domestic Violence Bill (a repeat from last year's Throne Speech), nor the Stalking Bill (another repeat from last year), will do much to prepare Bermudians for the challenges of the 21st Century which is government's purported objective. There is no mention of the Age of Majority Bill -- promised in previous speeches.

The Pensions Bill Mr. Speaker, although the Throne Speech raises workers' hopes for a pension that will ensure a living wage on retirement with a promise to introduce legislation based on the National Pensions Green Paper, we have already learned that "employers will be given a grace period well into the next Century to comply with the provisions''; meaning that the current workforce will derive little benefit from any promised legislation.

The Proceeds of Crime Bill Mr. Speaker, Bermuda is often chosen as a domicile by the international business community because of the relative absence of bureaucracy. Concerns that this Bill, and the internal screening that will become necessary, will not enhance Bermuda as a jurisdiction of choice have led us to believe that more thought, particularly with regard to the ramifications on our position as a jurisdiction free of discouraging and over-regulated start-up procedures, must be given to the proposed legislation.

We would also be interested in learning the results of Government's consultations with the private sector and the local Bar association. Having said that, we are supportive of proposals which increase the Government's powers to deprive convicted drug traffickers of the fruits of their lucrative trade. Bermuda is far behind the times in taking serious steps towards tackling the economic roots of the drug problem. Steps which if implemented could help to raise needed funds to finance both the law enforcement and preventative measures necessary for tackling the illicit drug problem.

In conclusion Mr. Speaker, a PLP government plans to enthuse, rejuvenate and motivate all Bermudians. We will create a strong, stable and prosperous society that offers a stake in this country for us all. This new and invigorated Bermuda will continue to hold its eminence on the world stage...what an exciting time that will be...the eve of the 21st Century will be the dawning of the PLP Government.

Mr. Speaker, I note that in last year's Reply to the Throne Speech my late Leader Mr. L. Frederick Wade stated that he did not plan for it to be his last. He hoped one day to write and present the Official Throne Speech.

How prophetic his words were.

I could not end this, my first Reply, without including a tribute to this great man. Mr. Speaker, I make this my solemn promise, to work to bring about that Throne Speech as a testimonial to Mr. Wade. With the help of my colleagues and the people of Bermuda who have stood loyally with us over these three decades, we will form the next Government.