Mr. President and Members of the Senate

Mr. Speaker and Members of the Honourable House of Assembly

I am delighted that my first visit to Bermuda is on the occasion of the celebration of the five hundredth anniversary of the discovery of Bermuda. Her Majesty the Queen has asked me to convey to those present and to all the people of Bermuda her congratulations on the achievements of the past and her good wishes for the future.

The past year has seen a number of devastating challenges. We have witnessed

lives ravaged by Hurricane Ivan in the Caribbean, the tsunami in Asia, bombings in

London, and most recently Hurricanes Katrina and Rita across the Gulf Coast of

the United States of America.

During these troubling times, Bermudians and residents alike came together in a

spirit of generosity and empathy to offer support, prayers and condolences to the

victims of natural and human made disasters.

The 2005 Speech from the Throne 2

These tragedies remind us of just how delicate and insecure life can be. It should

be evident that our way of life can be changed not only by an act of God, but as a

result of our reluctance to address the threats that we make to our own existence.

Mr. President and Members of the Senate

Mr. Speaker and Members of the Honourable House of Assembly

To steer a more responsible and responsive path for the future of Bermuda, the

Government has elevated Sustainable Development to the level of a national

imperative.

The Government has led the way by launching a public discourse that has engaged

the concerns and views of everyday Bermudians and residents, as well as

businesses, and organisations regarding the combined social, environmental, and

economic successes and challenges to this society.

The result of the extensive consultation that has taken place has been incorporated

into specific plans of action that, in collaboration with the local community, will

establish the framework for a sustainable Bermuda.

The 2005 Speech from the Throne 3

The goal of Sustainable Development in conjunction with the all encompassing,

cross-ministry, Social Agenda, designed to improve the lives of all Bermudians, is

the Government?s commitment to make the individual and collective actions of this

society more strategic, integrated, comprehensive and effective. As a direct

consequence, the continued and future success of the economy will result in ? a

Bermuda for everyone, and everyone for Bermuda.

The next phase of the Social Agenda will see the introduction of legislative and

social initiatives designed to protect and sustain Bermuda?s growth, environment,

economy and culture. These combined efforts must be a social contract, a

partnership between all of Bermuda to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to

be both participants and beneficiaries of the success of this country.

Therefore, in the coming months, the Government will appoint respected members

of the community and research groups to provide assistance to a newly established

Social Agenda Management Resource Team (SAMRT). This Team will serve

as a think tank to provide high level and independent advice from the private sector

and wider community. The Team will also be utilised in the implementation and

long-term management of the Social Agenda.

The 2005 Speech from the Throne 4

Mr. President and Members of the Senate

Mr. Speaker and Members of the Honourable House of Assembly

Over the past nine months, the country has engaged in a national dialogue

regarding the issue of Independence. The historic and autonomous Bermuda

Independence Commission made an important contribution to public participation

and understanding by seeking out and engaging the views of the community

regarding Bermuda?s future. The work of the Commission and the contribution by

the public has left an indelible mark on Bermudian society; creating an

unprecedented base of knowledge that will be invaluable as the country moves

forward to determine its place in the global community.

The Bermuda Independence Commission highlighted to this community that if the

process towards sovereignty is handled in an open and transparent manner,

international business will not leave these shores, the dollar will not lose its value

and the status and relationship with overseas neighbours will not be threatened.

Independence is therefore a natural progression for a mature jurisdiction such as

Bermuda.

The 2005 Speech from the Throne 5

The work of the Commission may be completed, but it is crucial that their

footprints not be forgotten. Therefore, to educate the public about the conclusions

reached by the Bermuda Independence Commission, the Government will hold

public meetings across the Island.

This exercise will be followed by the presentation of a Green Paper to the House

of Assembly and ultimately a White Paper outlining the Government?s policy

proposals for an independent Bermuda.

Mr. President and Members of the Senate

Mr. Speaker and Members of the Honourable House of Assembly

To promote new and existing Government services and programmes to

Bermudians and residents, and in line with the Government?s commitment to

Public Access to Information legislation, a Government Information Television

Channel will be launched. This communication tool will be a mechanism to

increase Bermudian content on the airwaves and provide an opportunity for young

Bermudians to enter the field of public media.

The 2005 Speech from the Throne 6

Mr. President and Members of the Senate

Mr. Speaker and Members of the Honourable House of Assembly

Children play a critical role in the future of any society. The best way to help

children is to help families. Therefore, the Government will introduce a series of

legislative and policy initiatives to help improve the lives of Bermuda?s families.

Since 1998, the Government, in collaboration with the Bermuda Housing

Corporation, has housed and provided mortgages for almost 800 families. Over

380 families were housed in rental units and during that same period, in excess

of 400 new mortgages were provided to Bermudian families to achieve their

dream of home ownership.

To ensure that even more Bermudians have a secure place to call home, the

Government will commence the construction of 330 new rental units over the

next thirty months. This will mean that since 1998 and within a 10 year period,

the Government will have provided housing for over 1100 Bermudian families.

The 2005 Speech from the Throne 7

Shortly, the Perimeter Lane Housing Project will begin. This project includes the

construction of 12 one bedroom units, 16 two bedroom units, and 10 three

bedroom units, which will result in an additional 38 units in total.

The Bermuda Land Development Company will progress work on the Old Naval

Hospital at Southside. This project will deliver 40 one bedroom units, 40 two

bedroom units, and 40 three bedroom units, which will contribute one hundred

and twenty units in total to house both small and large families. In addition,

construction will begin on the 200 unit Harbourside mixed housing development

with 100 affordable units already having been awarded.

The redevelopment of Victoria Row and Albert Row in Dockyard will add

another 20 two bedroom rental units for Bermudians in need.

The West End Development Corporation will commence work on 25 one

bedroom units and 26 two bedroom units at the North Basin. The Victualling

Yard in Dockyard will also see the development of 16 one bedroom units, 16 two

bedroom units, and 16 three bedroom units.

The 2005 Speech from the Throne 8

The Ministry of the Health and Family Services, including the Departments of

Court Services, Child and Family Services, Financial Assistance, and the

Hospitals, will work collaboratively with the Ministry of Works and Engineering

and Housing to establish a team of case managers responsible for identifying

and assisting families who need housing, financial assistance, and family

counselling. This combined approach to providing social, financial, and housing

assistance programmes will ensure that families at risk are given the tools to

address the complex and interrelated issues that they face on a daily basis.

The Government will also increase its efforts to reintegrate indigent and homeless

persons into the larger community. Work will commence on a night shelter and

rooming house facility for 200 persons. Residents of the facility will be provided

with quality programmes to develop the skills required to adapt to independent

living so that they can contribute to society.

The 2005 Speech from the Throne 9

Mr. President and Members of the Senate

Mr. Speaker and Members of the Honourable House of Assembly

In order to aid families during the difficult period of separation and divorce,

additional options such as family counselling and mediation will be instituted

through amendments to the Matrimonial Causes Act 1974.

In addition, the Government will introduce an Online Child Protection Bill to

prevent the creation, distribution, possession and access to pornographic material.

This legislation will provide protection for children and instigate severe

punishment for offenders.

Mr. President and Members of the Senate

Mr. Speaker and Members of the Honourable House of Assembly

Drugs drive crime!

Drug abuse and addiction crosses racial, gender and class boundaries; it is a plague

on all of us.

The 2005 Speech from the Throne 10

Therefore, a better coordinated approach to drug interdiction, intervention,

education and prevention will be mounted to reduce the negative impact of drugs

on individual users and to prevent drug related crimes that impact the community.

The Government will establish a National Steering Committee on Drugs. This

Steering Committee will serve as an umbrella coalition, drawing together all of the

existing bodies that tackle different aspects of Bermuda?s drug problem.

In order that the highest priority be given to this pernicious problem, the Cabinet

will have direct responsibility for directing and coordinating the national assault on

the supply of, and demand for drugs in Bermuda.

The establishment of this new and unprecedented approach to tackling Bermuda?s

drug problem is an opportunity for everyone to play a role in reducing this

affliction on the community.

The 2005 Speech from the Throne 11

Mr. President and Members of the Senate

Mr. Speaker and Members of the Honourable House of Assembly

In May of this year, the Government announced the initiation of a study on Young

Black Men in Bermuda. That study was finalised in October. As a result, the

Cabinet will consider the recommendations of the report with the intent of

implementing strategies to assist this important segment of the community.

To underpin the Government?s strategy on young offenders, a Bill will be tabled

to amend the Young Offender?s Act 1950. These amendments will be

complemented by the Misuse of Drugs Amendment Bill to divert first time young

offenders away from incarceration and into counselling and rehabilitation

programmes.

In support of this strategy, the Government will develop a Juvenile and Family

Treatment Court System to target young offenders and their families as a

unit, rather than dealing with the offender in isolation. Cohesive treatment will

help to provide additional structure to the lives of young offenders and increase the

opportunities for success of the second chance that they will be given.

The 2005 Speech from the Throne 12

Mr. President and Members of the Senate

Mr. Speaker and Members of the Honourable House of Assembly

To improve the administration and support provided to Bermuda?s senior citizens

and physically challenged persons, the reporting structure of the National

Office of Seniors and Physically Challenged will be amended. This

organisational change will be made to increase the autonomy, efficiency and

flexibility of the Office to meet the needs of Bermuda?s seniors and physically

challenged.

As an additional benefit to seniors, fees charged for British Overseas Territories

Citizen passports for seniors will be eliminated through an amendment to the

Government Fees Act 1965 and its Regulations.

In recognition of the contribution of the charitable sector, the Government will

amend the Charities Act 1978 to give Charity Commissioners increased

regulatory authority, and to strengthen the reporting requirements of charities.

The 2005 Speech from the Throne 13

Mr. President and Members of the Senate

Mr. Speaker and Members of the Honourable House of Assembly

The strengthening of the economy requires more than a commitment to statistical

growth; it necessitates opportunities for those eager and able to contribute to its

success.

Therefore, persons who have contributed to the economy through consistent paid

work should be insulated from some of the financial burden of unemployment.

Following a period of consultation, the Government will introduce legislation to

provide for a Scheme of Short Term Assistance to Newly Unemployed Persons.

The Government encourages entrepreneurial spirit and will provide employment

and economic opportunities to both current and future workers as well as small

business owners through the development of a Workforce and Employment

Strategy.

To place more Bermudians in direct benefit of the economy, this collaborative

workforce development strategy will be implemented to help identify and respond

to the changing occupational needs of Bermuda?s economy. The strategy will also

The 2005 Speech from the Throne 14

amalgamate a number of existing programmes to increase the skills and knowledge

of the Bermudian workforce.

To serve the needs of new and existing small business owners, the Bermuda

Small Business Development Corporation Act 1980 will be amended.

The Government also believes, and the Social Agenda requires, that an Economic

Empowerment Zone be developed in North Hamilton and elsewhere to

encourage and protect often overlooked entrepreneurs.

Mr. President and Members of the Senate

Mr. Speaker and Members of the Honourable House of Assembly

To attract and reward young persons for service to country, the Government will

launch a pilot programme to offer additional incentives and rewards for Bermuda

Regiment soldiers.

A full financial grant will be provided to members of the Bermuda Regiment

who attend the Bermuda College. This mutually beneficial relationship between

the Bermuda College and the Regiment will increase soldiers? access to higher

The 2005 Speech from the Throne 15

education. Additionally, Regiment soldiers will be extended the courtesy of free

travel on all of Bermuda?s buses and ferries.

In addition, through a broad based approach, the Government will expand the cooperative

work release programme between senior school students and

employers. This initiative will help young people to make informed decisions

about their educational and future employment possibilities.

Increased achievemen t o f studen ts remains a m ajor o b jective o f the G overnmen t.

Durin g the n ex t leg islative sessio n the B ermuda P ublic S chool S ystem T esting

Programme w ill b e revised to better serve the needs o f students, teachers and parents.

Having heard directly from young Bermudians who participated in Bermuda?s first

foray with Raleigh International in Malaysia this year, the Government recognises

the life changing impact that such a programme can have on Bermuda?s young

people. The Government will therefore, provide additional funding for the

Raleigh International Expedition in 2006.

Additionally, the National Training Board Regulations will be tabled in order to

commence the certification of workers in certain technical occupations.

The 2005 Speech from the Throne 16

Mr. President and Members of the Senate

Mr. Speaker and Members of the Honourable House of Assembly

Heads of companies and other individuals commit an offence against Bermuda?s

workforce and taxpayers when pension, payroll tax and land tax are not paid in full

in a timely manner.

In order to seek justice for workers and to ensure that they enjoy the retirement

benefits for which they have worked so hard, the Government will amend the

Contributory Pensions Act 1970, the National Pension Scheme (Occupational

Pensions) Act 1998, and the Taxes Management Act 1976 to hold Directors of

companies legally responsible for unpaid pensions and taxes due to Government on

behalf of workers.

These efforts will augment the Government?s aggressive pursuit of outstanding

monies owed and will also include the establishment of a new dedicated Tax

Court so that cases of non-payment of taxes can be dealt with expeditiously.

The Government will also improve the legislative framework for a more

competitive business environment.

The 2005 Speech from the Throne 17

Both the Customs Tariff Act 1970 and the Revenue Act 1898 will be amended

to improve customs clearance processes for passengers and goods at all ports of

entry.

Mr. President and Members of the Senate

Mr. Speaker and Members of the Honourable House of Assembly

The Government will continue its ongoing reform of the criminal justice system

and will review the requirements for jury service with the view to increasing the

categories of law-abiding citizens who are allowed to sit as jurors. The rationale

behind the exclusion of former police officers, lawyers, religious leaders and their

spouses will be carefully examined to improve the diversity of persons selected to

serve on juries.

Throughout Bermuda?s history, crime detection and evidence analysis has faced

numerous challenges. To ameliorate current conditions, the Government will

bring forward legislation to establish a DNA database in Bermuda. This

database will increase both the fairness and the overall effectiveness of the

criminal justice system.

The 2005 Speech from the Throne 18

Vicious sexual and physical assaults have perpetuated needless fear within the

community. In order to increase existing deterrents, the Government will

modernise the law on sexual and other assaults and introduce harsher

penalties as appropriate.

The Government will also work in tandem with communities and landlords to rid

so-called drug houses of users of illegal substances. Through community

partnership, it is intended to return these homes to the much needed housing

stock.

To address the scourge of illegal breeding, and dog attacks, the Dogs Act 1978 will

be amended to increase penalties and strengthen enforcement.

Mr. President and Members of the Senate

Mr. Speaker and Members of the Honourable House of Assembly

The Government recognises that it is time to modernise the Bermuda Fire Services.

In this coming Parliamentary Session, legislation will be introduced to

amalgamate the different divisions of the fire services so that they can better

The 2005 Speech from the Throne 19

serve the island. In addition, the Fire Services Act 1982 will be amended to give

enforcement power to the newly joined-up Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service.

Mr. President and Members of the Senate

Mr. Speaker and Members of the Honourable House of Assembly

The Government acknowledges that race relations continue to impact the lives of

Bermudians. Indeed, the Bermuda Independence Commission Report highlighted

this fact and noted that: ?It is fair to say, that the racial question and the

implementations that flow out of its consideration have been an ever-present,

although seldom acknowledged feature of the Bermudian social, economic and

political landscape throughout Bermuda?s history.?

The Report went on to recommend that, the ?Government should lead a process

whereby the diversity of Bermuda is celebrated and where opportunity is equal and

where there is genuine social unity.?

In this regard, the Government will facilitate and support the Human Rights

Commission, CURE and Non-Governmental Organisations in a major race

relations initiative. Citizens Uprooting Racism in Bermuda ? or CURB ? will be

The 2005 Speech from the Throne 20

the vehicle tasked with recommending to the Government tangible, achievable

strategies for the elimination of racism in Bermuda.

An amendment to the CURE legislation will also be introduced to require large

companies to review their policies to ensure that racial barriers to opportunity are

removed.

Mr. President and Members of the Senate

Mr. Speaker and Members of the Honourable House of Assembly

The beauty of the physical environment and diverse land forms are vital, not only

to the stable economy, but to the health and vibrancy of this community.

The Government will enhance the quality of experience in Bermuda?s parks

through an amendment to the Bermuda National Parks Act 1986. The number

of lands protected under the Act will be expanded, and enforcement powers against

offenders will be increased.

Further commitment to preservation will be demonstrated through amendments to

the Stamp Duties Act 1976. Stamp duty on land purchased to maintain open

The 2005 Speech from the Throne 21

spaces by non-profit organisations will be reduced to encourage an increase in the

permanent reserve of Bermuda?s communal lands. The reform of this Act will also

result in streamlining and simplification of stamp duty categories.

The safeguarding of protected species and habitats will also be enhanced through

new Regulations under the Protected Species Act 2003.

An important element of Sustainable Development will be a new strategic direction

for the future of agriculture in Bermuda. Amendments will be made to the

Agriculture Act 1930 to ensure that one of Bermuda?s most important industries

remains viable into the future.

In addition, the Government will introduce the Control of Pesticides Act to

consolidate relevant portions of the Agriculture Act 1930, the Public Health Act

1949, and the Pharmacy and Poisons Act 1979.

The 2005 Speech from the Throne 22

Mr. President and Members of the Senate

Mr. Speaker and Members of the Honourable House of Assembly

This Government has undertaken the development of a master plan for

Bermuda?s ports infrastructure. The Waterfront Task Force, comprised of a

broad cross-section of the community, continues to examine the development of

Bermuda?s waterfronts and has recently considered a variety of options which will

be presented to the people of Bermuda for their consideration.

The tourism product and the quality of life for all Bermudians stand to be enhanced

by the development of the ports. In committing to this endeavour the Government

seeks to launch a new dimension to the natural beauty of Bermuda.

Mr. President and Members of the Senate

Mr. Speaker and Members of the Honourable House of Assembly

You will also be invited to consider the following Bills:

The Counsellors Bill

The Bermuda Hospitals? Board Amendment Bill

The 2005 Speech from the Throne 23

The Dental Practitioners Amendment Bill

The Bermuda Health Council Regulations

The Veterinary Practitioners Bill

The Fisheries Act Amendment Bill

The Electronic Transactions Amendment Bill

The Credit Unions Amendment Bill

The Companies Act Amendment Bill

The Bermuda Monetary Authority Amendment Bill

The Insurance Amendment Bill

The Post Office Amendment Bill

Civ il A viation (Licensing of A ir T ransport and C ommercial Fly ing) Amendm ent

Bill

Hotel (Licensing and Control) Amendment Bill

Hotels (Licensing and Control) Amendment Regulations

Mr. President and Members of the Senate

Mr. Speaker and Members of the Honourable House of Assembly

The Government believes that Bermuda?s greatest resource is its people.

The 2005 Speech from the Throne 24

Currently, Bermuda?s role on the world stage is performed by others. The UK

Government speaks for Bermuda on international political issues; the financial

sector delivers Bermuda?s external economic impact.

It is the Government?s view that the time has come for Bermuda to rehearse her

own voice and to write her own script. Bermudians must be prepared to play many

parts. They must expand their horizons. Let history record that Bermuda saw the

challenge of the future and met it!

With our rich history and accomplishments behind us, our greatest success and best

days are ahead of us.

Mr. President and Members of the Senate

Mr. Speaker and Members of the Honourable House of Assembly

I believe that Bermuda is an extraordinary success story. It is the story of an island

which has grown into one of the world?s most prosperous islands. It is the story of

an Island with the oldest Westminster democracy outside of the United Kingdom.

It is, I am sure, a story still unfinished, with many more achievements to come. I

look forward to learning more about that story in the course of my visit.

The 2005 Speech from the Throne 25

Mr. President and Members of the Senate

Mr. Speaker and Members of the Honourable House of Assembly

On behalf of Her Majesty the Queen I now declare this Session of Parliament open.

May Divine Providence continue to bless Bermuda and to guide this Legislature in

all its deliberations.

HRH THE DUKE OF YORK KCVO, ADC

Friday November 4th, 2005