Meanwhile, it is expected that plans to introduce speed detection cameras will have a calming effect on the road using public.

To further enhance Bermuda's reputation in the area of international fiscal responsibility, the work of the National Anti-Money Laundering Committee will be highlighted.

In a few weeks, the review of the Bermuda Regiment will commence headed by a Brigadier General from the UK. When completed, Government will assess the future direction of the Regiment in light of these findings.

Fair Employment Legislation, an amendment to The Workmen's Compensation Act and omnibus legislation to amalgamate and revise current labour legislation will also be brought forward this legislative year.

Mr. President and Members of the Senate, Mr. Speaker and Members of the Honourable House of Assembly, Government remains committed to increasing the stock of affordable housing. In this regard, the Bermuda Housing Corporation is poised to initiate a building programme that will result in more than fifty new two and three bedroom units being completed within the next nine months. In addition, the Bermuda Housing Corporation will make greater use of the powers under the Bermuda Housing Act 1980 to accelerate its renovation programme that targets vacant and derelict housing units. These initiatives combined with the release of dwelling units at Southside will greatly improve housing conditions for many Bermudian families.

The Ministry of Health and Family Services will present new Day Care Regulations to establish staff child ratios and personnel requirements for day nurseries and nursery schools. In addition, these Regulations will set the standards for programmes, discipline and health and safety.

Regulations under the Public Health Act will also be promulgated to made provision for the registration and monitoring of diagnostic analyses, mammography and ultrasound scans and diagnostic radiology.

In this Throne Speech, Government continues its commitment to the elderly with the introduction of Regulations under the new Residential Care Homes and Nursing Homes Act 1999 to embrace all the key areas of nursing home operations.

Using the results of the Island-wide health survey conducted this summer, the Ministry will partner with the community to select health objectives based on identified health needs and community concerns. This process will help ensure the development of programmes which focus action on priority health issues.

Proposed new legislation to protect volunteer organisations and their members from possible liability arising from voluntarily helping persons injured in accidents or other mishaps will be enshrined in a Good Samaritan Act.

Efforts to strengthen and improve the effectiveness of substance abuse treatment programmes will be enhanced with the relocation and integration of Addiction Services with Turning Point at St. Brendan's Hospital.

Mr. President and Members of the Senate, Mr. Speaker and Members of the Honourable House of Assembly, The Ministry of Youth, Sport, Parks and Recreation has re-phased the development of the National Sports Centre in Prospect and National Sports Centre Trustees are now working toward completing a covered grandstand, an all weather multi-sport surface for competition and training for a variety of outdoor sports, a full size cricket pitch and pavilion, soccer fields and a jogging track by the end of the year 2000.

In cooperation with the National Sport Governing Bodies, the Ministry also plans to explore an alternative Dispute Resolution scheme whereby issues unable to be settled by individual bodies can be referred to a Dispute Resolution Panel.

In addition, the Ministry will table a policy paper on the creation of a Bermuda Hall of Fame for worthy sports persons who have made significant contributions to the development of sport in Bermuda.

Mr. President and Members of the Senate, Mr. Speaker and Members of the Honourable House of Assembly, The Ministry of Works and Engineering has a robust training programme that will result in more skilled and trained Bermudians taking responsibility for every facet of this Ministry. Young Bermudians interested in careers such as engineering, architecture, land surveying, estate management and accounting are encouraged to take advantage of this programme.

Government's commitment to improving the condition, safety and standards of all Bermuda's roads continues with improvements planned for Blue Hole Hill and Wilkinson Avenue with a much safer junction and improved pedestrian facilities. A revision to The Private Road (Improvement) Act 1969 will be put forward to enable Government's financial contribution to private road improvement schemes to be consistent with that enjoyed by landowners prior to the revision of land valuation rental values.

Railway Trail users will welcome news that a major scheme to restore the section of Railway Trail opposite Five Star Island in Southampton to full and safe operation will take place this forthcoming year. Plans include an innovative solution incorporating a section of tunnel to allow unrestricted and safe operation.

Mr. President and Members of the Senate, Mr. Speaker and Members of the Honourable House of Assembly, The Ministry of Works and Engineering's state of the art digital mapping system will allow this Ministry's technology and expertise to be utilised in a cross-Ministry initiative between the Department of Planning, the Registry General and the Attorney General's Chambers to introduce a Land Registry in Bermuda.

Last year's Throne Speech promise of the introduction of twice-weekly garbage collection for the whole of Bermuda has been fulfilled and now plans are in hand to improve service to condominiums and multi-dwelling complexes through the use of large hydraulically powered compactor units.

Mr. President and Members of the Senate, Mr. Speaker and Members of the Honourable House of Assembly, During the next session, a Green Paper entitled The Living Marine Resources and Fishing Industry in Bermuda will be tabled. This document will look closely at the history of the use of Bermuda's marine resources, provide details of current management strategies and present future options for the public's review and comments.

The new draft Development Plan for the City of Hamilton will be tabled in the House and, for the first time, the City Plan will incorporate traffic management proposals and initiatives to enhance the City's pedestrian environment.

Mr. President and Members of the Senate, Mr. Speaker and Members of the Honourable House of Assembly, The Ministry of the Environment has listed 791 buildings -including 65 Government buildings -- all examples of Bermuda's unique building heritage and now part of Government's promise to protect Bermuda's architectural heritage.

I am pleased to note that the protection of such buildings earned the Minister and his Historic Advisory Committee the Bermuda National Trust's Silver Palmetto Award.

The international recognition accorded the Bermuda Aquarium Museum and Zoo reflects glory on all of Bermuda and should be enhanced further with the Bermuda Biodiversity Project, the goal of which is to produce a comprehensive information system and baseline data for the Island's natural resources. To assist, the Minister has established a multi-disciplinary working group to coordinate the production of a "State of the Environment Report'' for Bermuda in the year 2000.

The report will be an important reference document for the public and decision makers in implementing policies and programmes aimed at achieving sustainable rates of development in Bermuda.

Mr. President and Members of the Senate, Mr. Speaker and Members of the Honourable House of Assembly, In addition to the legislative initiatives already mentioned, you will be invited to consider a number of Bills, Discussion Papers and Regulations in the coming year, including: Regulations for the 2000 Census to include new areas of inquiry; and to allow for the inclusion of benchmark data on the extent of economic activity of children twelve years and over.

The Consumer Protection Bill to give the Board statutory powers; and to ensure the rights of consumers.

Amendments to the Criminal Injuries (Compensation) Act 1973 to extend protection to victims of dog attacks; and to give the Board discretion to consider the relevance of the applicant's conduct.

The Aquarium and Museum (Amendment) Regulations to increase admission fees; and to introduce a common discount for all seniors.

The Development and Planning (General Development) Order to introduce three new classes of development; and to include an expanded and clarified set of definitions.

The Investment Business Act 1998 and Regulations to revise the scope of persons exempted from the Act; and to allow for the regulations to come into effect with the commencement of the Act.

Amendments to The Bermuda Immigration and Protection Act to protect children born out of wedlock to Bermudian fathers.

Mr. President and Members of the Senate, Mr. Speaker and Members of the Honourable House of Assembly, There are only 62 days left before we enter the new millennium and you who are charged with the leadership of this country as we move from one millennium to the next have a rare responsibility.

The decisions and actions you take now will help to shape Bermuda in the 21st Century and beyond. Your challenge will be to make sure that the changes that come -- be they scientific, technological, or otherwise -- benefit Bermuda and Bermudians.

On November 9, 1998, the people of Bermuda gave Government a mission to create a more inclusive, fairer society. Step by step you have begun the work of building A New Bermuda -- One Bermuda with new policies on education, immigration, housing, police, transport, youth, sports and the environment.

The justice system and family courts are being modernised, prisoner rehabilitation enhanced and day care and consumer rights enshrined in legislation.

But change must also take place within Government.

Government intends to achieve the shared goal of a committed, fair, efficient and effective public service in partnership with the Bermuda Public Services Association and based on recommendations contained in the Civil Service Review Report.

Much has been accomplished during the past twelve months with the help, work and support of those in Government and those serving on the various Boards and Committees.

The foundation of A New Bermuda has begun to take shape.

Another long and challenging Parliamentary Year lies ahead. The Government will not flinch from the tough decisions sometimes required and it will not accept that the failures of the past need be the failures of the future.

To quote from two politicians whose words are relevant to the task before you: One from the past, Theodore Roosevelt, who said: "This country will not be a good place for any of us to live in unless we make it a good place for all of us to live in.'' And one from the present, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, who said: "The people want to see change, unity and hope, and we are determined to bring it.'' Traditionally at this point, the Governor is allowed to add some words of his own.

I believe I should comment that this is the first time that the Throne Speech has been delivered outside the Senate Chamber so that more people can see directly what takes place on this important occasion.

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.