Government presented a laundry list of reforms to Bermudian public life yesterday in its third Speech from the Throne.

Changes in how the country elects Parliamentarians, increased electronic government, and changes to public order legislation lead dozens of measures to be adopted under the Progressive Labour Party this year.

Governor Thorold Masefield delivered the speech outside the Cabinet Building to a smaller than usual crowd, reduced further by a surprise boycott by the Opposition United Bermuda Party.

The PLP Government promised that during the next year it would push through legislation guaranteeing labour standards, mandatory seat belts, an independent Parole Board, reformed fraud law, court reporting and the controversial constitutional reforms outlined at the end of the last session.

The Speech from the Throne is prepared by Government for the Governor to read in the absence of the Head of State, the Queen or members of her family.

Alluding to the Opposition's discomfort with the way the PLP governs, Governor Masefield said: "Bermuda is mid-stream in several ways. Old policies and old patterns are being eliminated and the tremendous changes that a new Government with new policies and a new focus brings, may be unsettling to some,'' he added.

"In the year since we met here,'' Mr. Masefield said, "a new and modern form of Government is emerging. Government is working. It is working well and it is working hard.'' Mr. Masefield also applauded the work of civil servants whose "longer working hours'' after a normal workday "have not gone unnoticed by a grateful public''. He added: "New structures, new partnerships and new ways of connecting have underscored this Government's commitment to serve the people of this Country with improved child care, elder care, health care, with better jobs, better education and better opportunities.'' Mr. Masefield continued: "Government enters the new parliamentary year with confidence, determined to continue addressing the real priorities of our country.

PLP outlines plans for `modern form' of government "There will be challenges by the sometimes tough decisions needed to bring about reform, but hard work, dedication and perseverance will overcome any challenge.'' The Constitutional changes to be tabled next week include the controversial abandonment of two member constituencies based on Parish boundaries.

Once Parliament opened and business was underway, Premier Jennifer Smith announced to the Speaker she would move a motion to formally ask the UK Government to change the Island's Constitution, which is an Act of the UK Parliament.

The Constituency Boundaries Commission will recommend the division of the Island into single member constituencies of between 20 and 40 taking into account "the natural boundaries of Bermuda'' rather than the parish boundaries.

Other proposed changes include the changing of the designation of British Subject to Commonwealth Citizen and the creation of the office of Ombudsman -- to mediate between Government and the public.

The motion reads: "That this House agrees that a message be sent to His Excellency the Governor requesting that Her Majesty's Government amend the Constitution of Bermuda to incorporate the following changes...'' Reform of the Civil Service continues with senior government workers putting in place the recommendations of the British led Civil Service Review.

Mr. Masefield said "stakeholders are being canvassed for input on a Code of Conduct and Conditions of Employment'' for Civil Servants which will replace the current bible, the General Orders.

Recommendations out of that process have been promised for later this year.

In its effort to "create a proper foundation for true educational success'', education will continue to be a priority, particularly with the new 230,000 square foot Berkeley Institute having fibre optic technology throughout.

Also part of education reform is the National Literacy Initiative in the schools and the Adult Literacy and Lifeskills Survey, which will establish benchmarks and programmes among adults so that literacy standards can be raised.

Academic performance standards for students at all levels are on the cards while consultation with teachers on certification and standards in that profession is ongoing, as is a licensing authority.

Soon it will be possible for citizens and other people doing business with Government to do many transactions online and modernisation of Government's internal network continues.

The Ministries of Education and Telecommunications have joined forces to offer free Internet service at the Bermuda National Library -- which is understood to have started at the beginning of the month.

The Immigration Department will soon have its own web site, with Green Papers, White Papers and other discussion and policy papers will be made available.

Likewise the Finance Ministry and the Tax Commissioner's Office will move closer to becoming more "user friendly'' with provision of electronic filing for company registrations for the former and electronic filing and tax payment of tax returns for the latter.

Other measures to improve Government service is an amendment to the Public Treasury (Administration and Payments) Act to give it more power to collect debts and impose penalties.

With the finalisation of the Customs Service's computerisation process, now Government can move towards expanded provisions for temporary importations and a formal appeal process.

Also in the pipeline are plans to better regulate tattoo and body piercing establishments and making physicians more accountable by making them register and continue their educations.

Mr. Masefield concluded: "With the continued support of all sectors of the community, Government can continue to devote their efforts to a new Bermuda where the quality of daily life is improved, where children thrive, young people learn and work and families prosper.''