Economic empowerment of small businesses is a likely key plank of Premier Paula Cox's first Throne Speech.

Insiders say Ms Cox will use tomorrow's agenda-setting ceremony to reach out to the working class whose support for the Progressive Labour Party began to ebb under the Ewart Brown administration.

Laying out her vision for the first 12 months of her tenure, she's expected to speak heavily about plans to boost the plight of struggling black Bermudian companies.

Measures to rebuild the economy are also likely to feature, as well as the development of the green industry, reflecting Ms Cox's introduction of a new Economy, Trade and Industries Ministry, and the pairing of Business Development with Tourism.

She's also thought to be ready to pledge a recommitment to the family, expanding on her creation of a Youth Affairs and Families Ministry, while more details are expected on the tightening up of fiscal controls and over the tendering of contracts.

Ms Cox gave few details away herself yesterday, saying in a statement: "As this is a new administration, this year's Throne Speech will have particular significance.

"It will reflect initiatives and services that are aligned with the needs of the people, and it will demonstrate that this is a document inclusive of all of Bermuda's residents, ultimately outlining the road map we intend to follow to execute and deliver on our promises."

Governor Sir Richard Gozney will read out the Throne Speech on Cabinet grounds late morning, following the reconvening of Parliament for the first time under Ms Cox's administration.

After one of the biggest Cabinet shake-ups in recent times, finer details on a host of new ministries should be provided in the speech and subsequent press conference.

These include the splitting of Ms Cox's Finance Ministry, which concedes some of its duties to a new National Security Ministry, as well as other new Ministries of Public Information Services; Environment; and Transport.

Details on which ministries will be responsible for housing, immigration, sports, West End Development Corporation and Bermuda Land Development Company were still to be confirmed yesterday.

But with Environment now getting its own Ministry under Walter Roban, campaigner Stuart Hayward is hoping for a greener future.

"We're hoping for some indication that the environment is recognised as an important ingredient in Bermuda's economic and social well-being," said the Bermuda Environment and Sustainability Taskforce chairman.

"It's been absent in recent speeches and press releases."

Mr. Hayward said he hopes Southlands will be added to the Parks system; Morgan's Point plans are made the subject of a public consultation process; and a commitment is made to purchasing more open space for parklands.

He said long-term there should be a 20-year management plan over Bermuda's carrying capacity, preserving its culture, sense of place and economic diversity.

Reflecting on an anticipated focus on international business, Bermuda International Business Association CEO Cheryl Packwood said: "It's a great opportunity for the Premier to articulate her vision for the Country. We know, having worked closely with her as Minister of Finance, that she is committed to international business and we are excited to hear about how she will further that work as Premier.

"Certainly, Bermuda has its challenges, but she has done much to ensure that Bermuda is on firm footing with global regulatory and tax organisations. We have an opportunity to seize on that work and grow international business with a Premier that fully understands the depth of our international business offering."

Kim Swan, United Bermuda Party leader, said: "We would like the Government to use the Throne Speech to start facing up to the challenges confronting Bermuda today.

"In the broadest sense, we want the Government to commit to principles of action that can help get Bermuda back on track.

"These include minimising the impact on the most vulnerable in our society, living within our means when it comes to government spending, helping sectors that generate jobs and foreign earnings and taking effective steps to reduce not just violent crime but the sources of crime.

"Our underlying concern is that whatever direction is set by the Throne Speech, the government will rely on the same people who've been in charge during a period of historic decline. The question is not just the ideas put forward in the Throne Speech, but in the resolve of the team to address them."