This is a continuation of the reporting from a meeting of the Senate on Wednesday.

Bermuda Government Senate Leader David Burch claimed that new Premier Paula Cox was enjoying a "honeymoon period" with the media but warned: "The crucifixion is coming."

He told the Upper Chamber that The Royal Gazette often "set the tone" for discussion, after hearing other senators comment on the need to work together for the good of the country.

"It's all well and good for us to say we want it to be one way but the reality is that we don't set the tone," said the National Security Minister. "And parliament is not kindergarten but the tone is often set by the daily newspaper. We seem to be in our honeymoon period with the new Premier, but the crucifixion is coming."

He pledged during the first full Senate meeting this parliamentary session that in debate he would defend his position without rancour so long as that was possible.

Wednesday's meeting focused on this year's Throne Speech, with Sen Burch saying there was no conflict between plans to allow villa owners at Tucker's Point to stay year round and preventing locals from selling land to non-Bermudians.

"That land is already classified as tourism, so there is no loss of acreage for Bermudians," he said.

And he said that while some have criticised immigration rules for foreign workers, he had not had a single complaint from anyone about bias.

Opposition Senate Leader Jeanne Atherden said the local economy was still recovering from the global recession and people were still competing for jobs.

Whereas 2,000 people used to work in the construction industry, she said these days dozens of people were often applying for the same job.

The Shadow Economy Minister said there was an "expectation of a greater degree of bipartisan" politics. She said it was the UBP's constitutional duty to scrutinise, challenge and test the policies and plans outlined in the speech.

She questioned how Government was going to reduce its deficit, when much of its budget was spent hiring consultants and paying salaries. If jobs were cut or positive programmes, it would impact families on the Island, she added.

Sen Atherden said she supported Ms Cox's move to cut down on debt by $150 million this year "but we have to wait and see where the cuts are made".

Senate Vice President Walwyn Hughes said the Throne Speech was encouraging. He said this "kinder" approach by the new Premier was welcomed by people in the community.

He said the list of things to get done was "quite simple" and "achievable" compared to past years.

"Quite often those lists are long and at the end of the year we find only half have been achieved," Sen Hughes added.

He expressed hope that new legislature concerning international business, such as the extension of tax exemption, would help keep the industry on the Island. "As has already been said, there must be less red tape and more red carpet," the independent senator said. "It goes a long way to make Bermuda feel like a home and not just a business home."

He said his outlook for the future of education was bright but said he was disappointed more had not been done sooner.

"The improvement of the public education system has not been what it could have been. I sense that it's improving now but there is a long way to go."

New PLP Senator LaVerne Furbert said while many in the public focused on the negative, many students were succeeding in the existing system.

"I do believe that the majority of students are doing well in spite of, or perhaps because of, the number of Ministers in that department. To say that our public school system is lacking is not really honest.

"I believe that those who are having problems, most of their problems are coming from what's happening in the home."

The Junior Education Minister said there had always been students who failed to make the grade but Government would continue to help them get an education.

Opposition Senator Suzann Roberts Holshouser joined in calls for cooperation between political parties, saying: "All of Bermuda must move forward together. We must regain some of that heart that we have started to lose."

The Shadow Families Minister renewed calls for better tracking of sex offenders. She noted that a convicted child killer who served his sentence recently appeared in the news when he was jailed for violently resisting arrest.

"He was of no fixed abode, which added the question in my mind of how do we know where he was?" she said. "Maybe we can look at incorporating some form of electronic monitoring of people who commit offences of this nature.

"It might be expensive, but you cannot put a price on the life of a child."

Independent Senator Joan Dillas-Wright praised the Throne Speech for its promise of reducing the national debt by $150 million this year, saying: "There is a question of if that is achievable but we have to set a target. I think the fact it has been set is a good sign."

She said the entire Island had become more concerned about gang violence in the community, arguing that everyone would have to do their part to end the problem.

"It seems the young people have a total disregard for the laws and mores of our community. Everyone will have to play a part, either in education or in our homes. With everyone working towards that objective, we will hopefully see some changes put in place."

She also praised the plans for the redeveloped hospital and said more needed to be done to educate Bermudians about healthy lifestyle choices.

"Twenty-four percent of Bermudians are obese," she said. "That is a very high rate."

Government Senator Kim Wilson stressed that while the Throne Speech touched on a number of topics, it was only a "snapshot" of the legislation that would be brought forward.

The Economy, Trade and Industry Minister said more work would be done to help support entrepreneurs, including setting up the ability to register a company online. Setting up a new business provides a stimulus to the economy and it requires staff. This is one way to help jump start the economy."

She also discussed environmental legislation aimed at protecting the coral reef, reducing litter and educating young people about energy conservation.

"Educating the young people about this means that when they grow up it will be second nature," she said.

She told the Senate that a soon-to-be-released report valued the Island's coral reef at $722 million, benefiting not only the ecosystem but tourism, fishing and education.

"The reality is that if we don't take care of it now, then our children and their children will suffer."

Senate President Carol Ann Bassett stressed the importance of working with her fellow senators, saying: "I have no problem with disagreements but when it comes down to banging on about what happened ten years ago, the country doesn't want to hear it."

She described the tone of the Throne Speech as "extremely reconciliatory and inclusive" and said she greatly appreciated that. "I believe that we are going to see a different way that people see legislation being put forward and discussed. I know Bermuda would be very glad and very happy to see us set the tone that we want to see all our community operating under."

The independent senator called for more people, specifically men, to play their part in helping young people through mentoring and providing a positive role model.

"If there is one thing I can say, it would be to encourage men to get involved. You can help make a difference to a boy's life."

New PLP Senator Cromwell Shakir spoke about gang crime, suggesting that the names 42nd Street and 42 should not be used as to do so gave the group validity.

He said gangs were intent on protecting their turf but needed to be told that they ought to respect and protect their property.