Education was the top priority yesterday in the final Throne Speech before the next general election.

But the speech also unveiled new measures to update labour legislation, expand an annual workplace survey to include gender and nationality and increase the participation of women in sports.

Tourism got a brief mention, with plans to reposition Bermuda and a “renewed effort” to attract visitors throughout the year with events.

Governor Sir John Vereker read the Speech, which sets out items on the Government's legislative agenda for the coming year.

First to be mentioned were Government's plans to introduce a Parental Responsibility Act, which would hold parents responsible for their children's actions at school.

“Parents are a child's first role models, as such parental involvement in education is an integral component of successful learning,” Sir John said. “Parental Responsibility legislation will be brought forward to encourage even greater parental involvement in the educational process. This will mean that parents, of students who do not comply with the identified rules and regulations of schools, may be held responsible for their children's actions.”

Measures to address security at schools will include legislation which will codify the “roles, powers and qualifications” of school security guards, he continued.

And the number of school boards will be decreased by consolidation. “By consolidating the separate primary, middle and secondary school boards... the number of boards will be decreased, resulting in greater utilisation of resources between schools. This initiative will encourage a holistic approach to school governance.”

Home schooling will be regulated to enforce existing standards in areas such as health, planning and fire standards.

And the long discussed need for a separate school for special needs students “has been heard and answered,” the Governor said. “A new special schools Initiative will be forthcoming to establish the groundwork for a school specifically designed to meet these needs. It is anticipated that the school will become operational during the next school year.” A certification programme for the Island's 18,000 technical workers will also be introduced, the Governor said.

And the National Training Board will be working with the Bermuda Industrial Union and the Bermuda Hotel Association will be addressing service standards in the hospitality industry by introducing “recognised industry standards”.

On the agenda for sports in Bermuda are plans to introduce a Code of Conduct and Ethics, and taking steps to remove obstacles to women's participation. Government also plans to change the Civil Aviation Act so that unused airport lands can be used for sports.

Environment laws will be introduced to protect endangered species, coastal habitats and “control the import of invasive species,” the Governor said. The laws will bring the Island in line with the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity.

Government is also planning to introduce e-commerce consumer protection guidelines, and legislation to deal with insider trading.

And the row between doctors and insurers over a new fees schedule for medical services has impacted the legislative agenda. Laws will be introduced to give the Government power to set fees and revoke insurers' licenses.