With the Government set to announce its plans for the legislative period at the Throne Speech this morning, several organisations have spoken out about what they hope to see.

Sheelagh Cooper, of the Coalition for the Protection of Children, said the organisation was pleased last year when the Government recognised the value of mediation in the family courts, adding: “This time we are looking for a commitment to provide the funding to actually make that happen.

“We would like to see a task force established to determine a structure whereby all of the government social service agencies such as Child and Family Services, Bermuda Housing Corporation and Financial Assistance can work together more effectively in the interests of better serving their clients.”

She said the organisation would like to see mandated treatment for all sexual and violent offenders and the mandated use of video or closed circuit TV for children testifying in court. Ms Cooper also called for an end to the practice of imprisoning people unable to pay their debts, and punish parents who refuse to pay child support by preventing them from renewing their vehicle licences, renewing passports or travelling abroad.

Claudette Fleming, executive director of Age Concern, said the organisation hopes Government will announce a timeline to amend the Human Rights Act to prevent discrimination in the workplace on the basis of age.

“We would also like a timeline for the next Social Insurance increase as there has not been an increase in several years,” she said.

The Bermuda Environmental Sustainability Taskforce said it hoped to see Southlands formally established as a park, and upgrades to the planning process to require Environmental Impact Assessments for developments in sensitive areas.

It also called for strategies with timelines to protect the Island’s bee population, and improve the local agricultural industry, including a review of pesticides and herbicides permitted to be used in Bermuda. Regarding the marine environment, BEST hoped Government would work to improve the health of Pembroke Canal, improve enforcements of fishing limits, and clarify the concept of the “Blue Halo” proposal to create a no-take reserve in Bermuda’s waters.

The organisation also said it would like to see upgrades to the Botanical Gardens and visitors centre, along with expanded efforts in the area of conservation and renewable energy.