Premier promises action on issues
That is what Premier the Hon. David Saul promised yesterday in advance of the first Throne Speech under his leadership, which is to be read by Governor Lord Waddington at the Cabinet Building on Friday.
Aside from the Independence debate, the last Parliamentary session was dominated by "take note'' motions -- including ones on the Premier's Commission on Competitiveness and Task force on Employment.
While he did not join those who have been critical of the large amount of time spent debating non-legislative matters during the previous Parliament, Dr.
Saul predicted "a pragmatic approach'' in the coming session, "rather than some talk.'' He said Friday's Throne Speech would contain "some deliverables.'' The Premier also said most of the initiatives to be outlined in the Speech from the Throne could already be found in the United Bermuda Party Blueprint that was released in 1993 as Government's campaign manifesto.
Dr. Saul said one third of the 111 Blueprint promises have been fulfilled and work has started on all but one. The Throne Speech "will basically represent the ongoing work of completing that Blueprint.'' Polling has shown Bermudians are worried about drugs, crime, education, the `glass ceiling', and upward mobility, Dr. Saul said. And the Throne Speech would reflect that, he said.
The Throne Speech, to be delivered at the Cabinet Building at 11 a.m., is expected to include: News of "refinements'' to Government's school reform plan, expected to mean fewer students at the widely-feared `mega-school'' at Prospect and more students at Berkeley Institute, the other senior secondary school.
Plans to create a Bermuda Land Development Corporation to manage and find tenants for the newly-returned Base lands.
A promise to move on long-awaited anti-stalking legislation, and production of a Government policy paper on the status of women.
Measures to address Bermuda's crime and drug problems, including promises to put more Police officers on the streets and to bring forward legislation to confiscate the assets of drug dealers.
Legislation to turn lands under and around the National Stadium over to a board of trustees headed by Mr. Donald Lines and allow for work to begin on the third phase of the National Sports Centre.
In the coming session, Parliament could also deal with legislation to create a national pension scheme and to reduce the age of majority to 18 from 21.
A new Animal Control Act to replace the Dog Act, a Green Paper on advertising regulations and signage, and amendments to the Mental Health Act 1968 and the Protection of Children Act 1943 are also likely.
Opposition Leader Mr. Frederick Wade could not be reached for comment yesterday. But the Progressive Labour Party has promised a trial by fire for Dr. Saul in the House of Assembly, where Government holds a slim majority of 21-18.
After the Throne Speech is read, MPs will return to the House of Assembly to elect a Deputy Speaker to succeed the Hon. Tim Smith, who is now Environment Minister. The post is expected to go to outspoken St. George's South MP Mrs.
Grace Bell.