Premier Paula Cox was applauded for her plans to see a "merit based" civil service, rehabilitation of criminals and energy conservation.

Bermuda Industrial Union President Chris Furbert said it "speaks volumes" that Mrs. Cox appeared to take a heartfelt look at the country when developing the Throne Speech.

He commended her ideas for a merit based civil service and hoped it would make officers, such as permanent secretaries, accountable to decisions made within Government Ministries.

He also commended plans to form a gang task force, recognise war veterans and provide affordable health care. "I think the general direction she appears to be going is all good," Mr. Furbert said.

Stephen Todd, President of the Chamber of Commerce, said the new Premier was taking "a very good approach" in terms of the current economic climate.

He said: "She has recognised the importance of crime and the importance of restructuring her ministries to address some of those social and cultural and financial issues the country is dealing with.

"I believe the direction is a very, very positive one. One of the things that stuck out most in my mind were aspects of the Immigration Act as well as the Equal Pay Act which I believe is quite significant.

"And not the last of which is her intentions of focusing on green issues. These are important for the country as well in terms of how do we conserve and protect natural resources, as opposed to being high consumers and not recognising the importance of reservation and how to protect our environment for future generations."

Meanwhile St. George's Mayor Kenneth Bascome said Mrs Cox's Throne Speech was inspiring and hoped the ideas could be successfully put in place.

He said: "Lets hope that much of what was put forward comes into fruition. I believe Bermuda will be pleased to hear aspects of the criminal justice system in regards to the prisoners being given the opportunity to rehabilitate themselves.

"I was surprised to see that Government put emphasis on that. In the past I believe we have not been supportive of prisoners being released back into the community."