Within the court system however, there is an urgent need for the retention of a judge that specialises in commercial law and a system of court reporting that allows for the accurate and efficient recording of complex computations and extensive evidence.

Respect for the Judiciary will be enhanced with Government's commitment to review court reporting systems and work to upgrade facilities so as to provide adequate space for the judiciary to do their work.

Mr. President and Members of the Senate: Mr. Speaker and Members of the Honourable House of Assembly: Government will work closely with the West End Development Corporation to insure the stability and economic viability of the Dockyard area is enhanced.

The environmentally friendly Destination Villages project at the Daniel's Head will be further advanced during the coming year and lease arrangements for the Morgan's Point Development will be given Cabinet consideration.

Government will introduce legislation to address the issue of consumer protection against false advertising, as well as out-dated products; among other considerations.

Government believes entrepreneurs are key to keeping the economy healthy, thus, they will take a proactive stand to encourage the formation of new business enterprises.

The establishment of a Small Business Enterprise inventory scheme will be a priority for the coming year. Under this scheme, small business owners will be given access to capital, to enhance their company's ability to develop in the short term.

In this Throne Speech, Government continues its commitment to eliminate racism in the work place. The role of CURE will be expanded to ensure fair practices.

The first stage, which will involve educating the employers to the existence of employment racism and assisting them in understanding how to reduce bad practices, will draw to a close early in the new calendar year. Following this phase, assessments will be made of the degree of change that has taken place; the subsequent stage will require legislation if voluntary compliance levels are not at an acceptable level.

Mr. President and Members of the Senate: Mr. Speaker and Members of the Honourable House of Assembly: The Progressive Labour Party promised in its platform that it would effectively manage our natural and cultural resources.

The resource most basic to our Island is the family. This resource is also under greatest threat. Therefore immediate steps will be taken to strengthen the family unit.

Legislation will be considered to enable the implementation of community planning.

Stable families create stable communities and the stability of a community enables it to plan its physical environment. At present there is no vehicle through which the local community can come together to give expression to its plans. Therefore the Government propose to put Parish Councils on a democratic footing so that they can speak authoritatively to the needs of the community.

Government will establish a Commission, drawing on the various areas of expertise in the community, to determine the most efficient means of ensuring greater protection of our open spaces and arable land.

Effective management depends to a large extent on the accuracy of our predictions with respect to future events. With this in mind Government will expand the work of the Forward Planning Team to include planning for economic development and the preparation of material and programmes to educate our children, beginning at the pre-school level, in the use of our cultural and physical resources. The departments of Agricultural and Fisheries will be used to spearhead these projects.

Work will continue on the listing of buildings of historic interest to include Government buildings. Consultation with private owners on their plans for future changes, will be a part of the listing process.

Mr. President and Members of the Senate: Mr. Speaker and Members of the Honourable House of Assembly: During this Session, Government will make a full assessment of the Park System, with a view to improving the recreational environment for public use.

The Sports Department will be charged with formulating plans to establish a National Sport Hall of Fame.

Assistance will be provided to local sporting clubs for securing their grounds. A full assessment of these facilities will be done with a view of establishing means of enhancing community involvement in our Clubs.

Government will investigate secure financial arrangements to ensure that the National Sports Complex will continue on schedule.

Government will assess programmes to assist youth organisations in the furtherance of their respective roles in the community.

Mr. President and Members of the Senate: Mr. Speaker and Members of the Honourable House of Assembly: Government will undertake an assessment of inmates in all of Bermuda's correctional facilities with a view to introducing appropriate rehabilitation programmes, psychiatric counselling and alternative sentencing options, where applicable.

Priority will be placed on the establishment of a Halfway House facility and a programme designed to re-integrate ex-inmates into society.

In consultation with the Governor and the Police Commissioner, the reintroduction of the Police Cadet Scheme, the `civilianisation' programme and the effectiveness of the Parish constable scheme will all be reviewed.

In consultation with the Governor, Government will consider the feasibility of enlarging the responsibilities of the Bermuda Regiment to add greater strength to Bermuda's security network and create career opportunities for young Bermudians.

Mr. President and Members of the Senate: Mr. Speaker and Members of the Honourable House of Assembly: You will be invited to consider a number of Bills, Discussion Papers and Regulations in the coming year, including the following: The Parliamentary Election Amendment Bill to eliminate annual registration; The Motor Vehicle Amendment Bill to permit persons other than those in a household to drive; The Education Amendment Bill to facilitate attendance officers, uniform curriculum, representative school boards and school autonomy; and The Dog Amendment Bill to provide Compensation for the victims of dog attacks.

In addition, it is Government's intention to re-institute twice weekly garbage collections.

Mr. President and Members of the Senate: Mr. Speaker and Members of the Honourable House of Assembly: If we are to build a society that is just, fair and free, we must never stray from the values and attitudes that can sustain us through all the challenges, adversities and opportunities which await us. We will be adequately prepared if our values and attitudes are grounded in humility, faith, trust and a commitment to serve.

Every opportunity must be exploited to empower our people as citizens capable of living and working together with pride and love. Let us ensure that there is mutual respect, regardless of gender or station in life. This is to allow for the contribution that we each have to make in the building of One Bermuda.

We must enter into relationships with our fellow men with a spirit of respect and understanding. This will allow differences of opinion and the peaceful resolution of any misunderstanding or conflict of opinion, which may arise.

Today, as we start on this new legislative and parliamentary pilgrimage, we must hold fast to the principles of good, healthy relationships. The vision of the faith, trust and hope, which the Bermudian people have placed in the new Government, must be our focus.

We must build One Bermuda with justice and equity, transparency and accountability, in the conduct of public business and private transactions.

We must build One Bermuda with cleanliness, discipline and good order as the norm.

We must build One Bermuda with a spirit of co-operation among people as we pursue common goals.

We must build One Bermuda with a government active in creating conditions for economic growth and vigilant in defence of the vulnerable.

We must build One Bermuda with mutual respect, the demonstration of trust, which is earned and shared, and a willingness to always do what is right, rather than what is expedient.

Mr. President and Members of the Senate: Mr. Speaker and Members of the Honourable House of Assembly: You have been entrusted with an awesome responsibility.

The challenges are many and the financial resources are not as adequate as Government would wish them to be. But, if we work together with purpose, with integrity, and above all with the faith in ourselves that we can be the architects of the Bermuda we want, we will be successful.

Traditionally at this point, the Governor is allowed to add some words of his own.

This year I think it appropriate to note the vigour of democracy in Bermuda.

The very high levels of voter registration and of voter turn out for the election demonstrate the full involvement of the vast majority of Bermudians in the process, as well as the clarity of their choice and wish for change.

May I also say that it is a very great honour to open Parliament today on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen, and to wish you all well in your work in the coming session.

Mr President and Members of the Senate: Mr Speaker and Members of the Honourable House of Assembly: I now declare this Session open.

As you begin this challenging and demanding legislative session, may God guide you in your deliberations as you go forward with confidence in our people and faith in Him.

Mr. J. Thorold Masefield, C.M.G.

Governor and Commander-in-Chief The Senate Chamber Hamilton Bermuda 20th November, 1998