Throne Speeches tend to be overrated, I think, mostly by the politicians and those who write them- and, no, they are not always one and the same. A wordsmith (or two?) is often required to weave together all the disparate pieces which often come in the form of contributions from each of the various Ministries. The hope and the aim is a coherent and appealing plan of action that reads well. It was ever thus.

But in all my years, first as journalist and then politician, I cannot say that I recall any one Throne Speech that was more memorable than the others — and, to be fair here, I include the couple in which I had a hand some years ago now. The few that do stand out probably have more to do with the change that they marked: when the PLP first assumed Government in 1998 and then the OBA last year on winning power.

The reading of the Throne Speech traditionally marks the start of a new legislative session up and down the Hill. It is an opportunity for the Government to set out clearly and succinctly its agenda for the Legislature for the parliamentary year, the nuts and bolts if you will, of what the Government proposes to bring by way of legislation and motions. Over the years however, it has morphed into less of that and more of a mini State of the Union address (Bermuda’s equivalent thereof), which reflects on where the Government thinks we are and where they intend to take us, with promises of what’s to come, woven into their vision for Bermuda, buttressed here and there with the odd quotation. The net result: length and more length.

That’s been the trend in recent years anyway, but the OBA could surprise us all with something different this year. We’ll know soon enough.

Some quick comment on what we might expect: -

* Let’s forego speculation as to what may or may not be in the Speech. It will be read the day this column is published. There will be time enough afterwards to review and/or pick apart what’s promised, or not. The opposition are expected to do it next week as a formal reply.

* This, the second for the OBA, will be crucial. Now that they have had almost a full year as Government their belts, and of looking under the hood, they have to lay out clearly how they propose to kick start the economy and turn the Island around. The excuse that they need time to get up to speed won’t wash any more.

* The Speech will also have to compete for attention with the SAGE Report which is supposed to be tabled in the House, i.e. made public ‘as soon as practicable after receipt’. No contest between the two documents, I don’t think. But maybe the OBA will save the release for next week to compete with the PLP Reply instead?

In any event, my vote has always been for short and sweet: ever recall anyone ever complaining a Throne Speech was too short? They don’t have to be long to be good. As Muriel Humphrey is reported to have told her husband, and on more than one occasion, a good speech does not have to be eternal to be immortal. Incidentally this was the same US Senator Humphrey about whom it was said that he spoke at 120 words a minute with gusts up to 180.

I don’t think we should expect Governor Fergusson to be reading at that sort of clip. His is likely to be a far more measured pace and not just because he is reading something which has been written for him (by Government). A more sombre, steady staccato befits the occasion.

It is an occasion, and HE and The Speech are the centrepiece of what is a rather quaint but striking ceremony which features not only our legislators all decked out in their Sunday finest, or better, but the smartly dressed soldiers of the Bermuda Regiment, and the impressive Bermuda Regiment Band.

It’s true everyone does like a good parade and this one ought to be the featured event of the Bermuda Calendar, especially for our visitors. It reflects in so many ways not only our heritage but who and what we are. Sadly though, it appears that the numbers in attendance are shrinking each year and maybe that is a reflection of dwindling numbers of visitors. It got me thinking: maybe we ought to do this twice a year, the second to mark the end of the parliamentary year when there are more visitors here, and this one wouldn’t need a speech, just a parade.

It’s a thought. As it stands now the annual sessions typically end not with a bang but a whimper — and a late night/early morning whimper at that. Who noticed?

Share your views and suggestions either on The Royal Gazette website or with jbarritt@ibl.bm.