High-cost projects will go ahead, despite the economic downturn, Government said yesterday as it laid out its plans in the Throne Speech including a new hospital and swimming pool.

But yesterday Government deferred giving details about their timeline and cost ahead of press conferences scheduled for next week.

Work will start on the new hospital, on the existing site, amid claims by Government that the new facility "will cost less than half of the original proposed price" as it teams up with big brand American healthcare institutions.

A multi-million dollar swimming complex and dive centre will be built at the National Sports Centre while Government also pledged to reduce the amount of rented space and instead buy buildings for offices.

Reading the Speech on behalf of the Government, Governor Sir Richard Gozney, said since the last Throne Speech every country in the world has been confronted with the challenges caused by the state of the global economy.

He added: "Bermuda has been no exception.

"Although the economy and its various effects on our lives as an Island will dominate our discourse in this Session, it is incumbent on governments everywhere to remain steadfast and confident in the ability of its people and systems to weather the storm."

And at a press conference later, Premier Ewart Brown said: "Government is not going to shrink and become paralysed in spite of the economic downturn. To do that would be to turn off the engine and cause great unemployment, etc.

"That is not what we do. We have to be prudent and cautious and trim where we can – cancel some plans and defer others – but we are not going to lie down and go to sleep."

Asked about the cost of buying buildings for Government given the financial constraints, Works & Engineering Minister Derrick Burgess said: "We are spending approximately $10 million a year on rentals. It would be wise for us to purchase some buildings so we can realise those savings."

He said Government was in the process of buying property but declined to elaborate.

Family and youth are also a priority in Government's 'vision for the future' mentioned in the speech.

There will be improved careers advice in public schools and the creation of a One-Stop Career Centre.

Government will tackle the gang problem in schools and will establish a Juvenile and Family Treatment System for the "therapeutic treatment of families whose dysfunction can be reversed".

If people are unwilling to come on board however, Sir Richard said: "Government will enact parental responsibility legislation to make parents accountable for the delinquency of their children."

Government will set up a Witness Care Unit to protect witnesses through a police liaison officer. The Justice Protection Bill will also legislate for those witnesses who have to be relocated overseas for their own safety.

Other highlights of the speech included:

¦ A pledge to review the cost and availability of prescription drugs for seniors

¦ New motorists to undergo a system of graduated licensing

¦ A 'Cultural Legacy Fund' with initial seed money to promote the Island's culture in the year of its 400th anniversary

¦ Darrell's Island, Port's Island and White's Island to become national parks.

Sir Richard also added some words of his own at the end of the speech where he pledged to be vigilant in his role of overseeing law and order but he explained other domestic issues were the responsibility of Government.

"My views on those issues could only be private views and I don't think Bermuda needs to hear a Governor's private views on them," he said.

Sir Richard will however, shortly be appointing a new Commanding Officer of the Bermuda Regiment, and in March, possibly a Chief Justice.

More Throne Speech, Pages 4, 5, & 6