Friday's Throne Speech contained some new promises but some recent pledges from Government are missing.

The PLP election manifesto from December promised interest-free downpayment loans to help 500 first-time homeowners.

The pledge was mentioned again during February's Throne Speech and Budget, however there has been no action since then, and Government did not mention it this time around.

However, Housing Minister David Burch told The Royal Gazette it was a "work in progress" and could crop up in February's Budget.

Last November Government released a draft version of the Workforce Equity Act 2007 to give the Commission for Unity and Racial Equality (CURE) powers to fine companies up to $50,000 if they block the progress of black Bermudians, but it it was savaged by employers while departing Governor Sir John Vereker said it might be struck down as unconstitutional.

No mention was made about it in the PLP's election manifesto and it was missing again from this year's Throne Speech. Responsibility for looking at it has passed from Culture and Social Rehabilitation Minister Dale Butler to Public Safety and Housing Minister David Burch.

Asked about progress, Sen. Burch said it was "marking time" as business and Government mulled it over.