Parliament-opening Throne Speech which offered little hope for early recovery from the recession.

The Speech, which was read by Governor Lord Waddington to the Island's Parliamentary leaders, emphasised the importance of community-wide efforts in extricating Bermuda from economic difficulties.

"Government is committed to forging genuine partnerships within the community and it is convinced that the existence of these partnerships will ensure that Bermuda will be ready and able to grasp the challenges of the next Century,'' Lord Waddington said.

But the nine-page speech, which is reprinted in full on Page 4 and outlines Government's legislative plans, was clouded with references to the recession.

"The world's economy remains in disarray,'' Lord Waddington said. "There are few concrete signs of recovery...''. Recession had diminished Government revenues, he added.

"Unless there is a marked improvement in the overall economic situation further cuts in some programmes may well become necesary.'' Government used the speech to reiterate a working plan for the Island that stressed its pledges to providing "economic stability and responsible management''.

"While the recession has certainly challenged the community, the implementation of Government's long-term plans should ensure an orderly progress towards renewed growth,'' the speech said.

"The world is undergoing a period of substantive change and Bermuda must respond to that change if it is to remain prosperous and maintain its quality of life. Bermuda must not be left behind.'' Government broke tradition by sprinkling the normally dry and business-like document with references to the theme of partnership and the importance of people working together.

Businesses were congratulated for cooperating on employee retraining programmes. Workers were thanked for improving productivity while accepting marginal or non-existent pay increases and reduced work weeks. And community volunteers were applauded for their contribution.

"Bermudians in general are to be commended for their practical response to the recession and for the sensible manner in which they are addressing its impact and implications,'' Lord Waddington said.

"Bermuda in comparison to other jurisdictions has weathered this recession reasonably well. This has been due to a combination of effective planning, real determination and meaningful partnerships with all those involved.'' Government made it clear that Bermuda' future economic health depended on creating the best environment to develop business opportunties.

Amendments were planned to encourage international arbitration in Bermuda.

Telecommuications was cited as another opportunity. And effort was pledged to to improve the Island's air links to Europe.

Major legislative proposals for the new session included a new Education Act to support planned school reforms, regulations to establish air quality standards, Criminal Code amendments to protect woman and children from abuse and a Bill to establish the National Drugs Authority.

The Government also promised to bring forward a Green Paper for Parliamentary discussion on improving pension provisions "for all residents.'' A new Code of Ethics for the workplace, "designed to foster trust and understanding'', was promised. And amendments to the Human Rights Act designed to protect against sexual harrassment are planned.

Government also pledged to put together a National Register to clearly indicate "all those who are Bermudian.'' The speech said the war against drugs would continue on many levels, particularly in the schools where the negative aspects of drug abuse would be highlighted.

The Government also used the speech to pat itself on the back for its 1990 fish pot ban.

With fish stocks improving, Lord Waddington said, "it is now clear that the difficult decision Government was obliged to take in eliminating the use of fish pots was correct and was taken in time to save this vital natural resource''.

Yesterday, Progressive Labour Party Leader Mr. Frederick Wade maintained the speech was preparing the ground for an early election call by the Premier.

HOT WORK -- Hot weather and high humidity led to this Bermuda Regiment soldier and two others fainting during yesterday's Throne Speech ceremony. The soldiers may face disciplinary action from the Regiment. See story on Page 2.