Government legislative agenda fails to address the most important concerns of the people of Bermuda, Opposition Leader Grant Gibbons charged in his Throne Speech Reply yesterday.

"Where is the action plan for emergency and affordable housing? Where is substantial reform of the educational system? Where is a commitment to eradicate drug dealing from the top down? Where is the tough stand on violent crime? Where is the plan to make healthcare more affordable for seniors?" he asked.

"The answer is nowhere. This is a feeble Throne Speech from a tired, failed Government completely out of touch with the people."

The speech drew heavily on themes from an address he gave at a party rally last week and offered some United Bermuda Party (UBP) alternatives to Government plans. He said Bermudians were "tired of promises and fed up with excuses".

"They want real equity, real opportunity and real integrity. And they want an honest, open government that walks the walk."

He noted that teachers were on the fifth day of a strike when the Throne Speech was given last week. "There couldn't have been a more powerful symbol that the education system is not working for our children."

But he agreed with plans to introduce a Parental Responsibility Act, noting his party had tabled the bill in June of 1998.

"We don't know why the Smith Government delayed this initiative for over four years, but we agree that parental involvement and responsibility are essential components of a child's education."

And he criticised the proposal to consolidate school boards as a backward move "toward greater centralised control and micro-management".

UBP educational reforms will be based on a greater emphasis on individual students and the role of parents, setting higher standards and demanding greater accountability and giving each school more responsibility and flexibility, he said.

He reiterated the party's plans, if returned to power, to re-establish the "Bermuda Tech" to provide a technical education for those who want it and was reminded by ruling party hecklers that it was his uncle and former Premier David Gibbons who decided to close down the "Tech" in the first place.

Turning to the Berkeley Senior School Project, Dr. Gibbons reminded the House that Works and Engineering Minister Alex Scott had promised an update on the controversy plagued construction project early last month.

"The Smith Government should be embarrassed about the unanswered questions surrounding this project," which included questions about the performance bond, whether building materials had been misappropriated and what contingency plans were in place if the school is not completed on time, he declared.

"Failing to answer these legitimate questions disrespects the people who are paying for this project - the Bermudian taxpayers."

Turning to housing, he noted that new allegations of mismanagement at the Bermuda Housing Corporation surfaced last week concerning the Perryville condos in Warwick.

"The houses now stand empty and the cost to protect the complex is nearly $14,000 a month," he said. "The continuing scandal diverts attention from the fact that the Smith Government has done little to those in need. The waiting list for emergency housing has grown substantially since 1998. But don't look to the Throne Speech for new initiatives: housing doesn't rate a mention."

He said that many had been disappointed by the "Smith Government's" record. "Those seeking inspiration in this Throne Speech won't find it. It appears the Smith Government will end its last year in office with a whimper, not a bang."