The following is the full text of the Speech from the Throne delivered yesterday by Governor Sir John Vereker:

Mr. President and Members of the Senate,

Mr. Speaker and Members of the Honourable House of Assembly,

"With all [our blessings, what more is necessary to make us a happy and prosperous people? Still one thing more, fellow citizens-a wise and frugal Government, which shall restrain men from injuring one another, shall leave them otherwise free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labour the bread it has earned. This is the sum of good government" - Thomas Jefferson

Almost exactly four years ago, the Bermuda Progressive Labour Party was granted a mandate to bring a fresh approach to government. Bermudians had decided to put their faith in a party untested in government and the Government has respected that privileged trust by holding fast to the commitments that were laid out in the 1998 election platform.

The intervening years have not been easy ... the anticipated, but uneventful passage of the year 2000 on high-tech business operations, upheavals in the rules and regulations governing financial services ... the earth-shattering impact of the September 11 tragedy ... the death, while in office, of the Minister of Tourism. Each year had its highs and lows.

The government's response to such challenges is rooted in an expressed determination to overcome whatever difficulties are posed to the economy and the national psyche, while remaining focused on its vision for a new Bermuda.

Over the last four years, the Government has been striving towards the creation of a New Bermuda - a Bermuda that not only exemplifies economic success, but a Bermuda where the economic success is reflected in the upliftment of all sectors of society so that each citizen is afforded equal access to opportunity.

In the lead-up to the 1998 election, the Bermuda Progressive Labour Party articulated its vision for a new Bermuda through its platform. On November 9th, 1998, the first Progressive Labour Party Government began the work of delivering against that blueprint. In the forthcoming legislative year, measures will be introduced to further improve the standard and quality of life for all Bermudians.

Mr. President and Members of the Senate,

Mr. Speaker and Members of the Honourable House of Assembly,

Parents are a child's first role models; as such, parental involvement in education is an integral component of successful learning. 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.

For our schools to be truly considered `'institutions of learning'' there must exist an environment that is conducive to learning. The introduction of Safety and Security Legislation will contribute to the peaceful environment needed for successful learning by clearly defining the role, powers, and qualifications of security guards who work within schools.

In order to provide the necessary educational supports, the Government will table Amendments to the Education Act 1996 to allow for one board to be established for each family of schools. By consolidating the separate primary, middle, and secondary school boards in this manner, 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.

Government has to balance parental rights, with child rights, and Government responsibility. Clearly, parents have the right to educate their children in the way that they see fit. Equally clearly, children have a right to equal access to educational opportunities, including qualified educators and a secure environment. Therefore, legislation will be introduced in this session, to ensure that home school providers adhere to articulated regulations, which will enforce existing health, planning, and fire standards, among other things.

The concern of parents of children with special needs for a school environment that meets the medical, therapeutic, or cognitive needs of their children has been heard and answered. A New Special Schools Initiative will be forthcoming to establish the groundwork for a school specifically designed to meet these needs. It is expected that the school will become operational during the next school year.

Mr. President and Members of the Senate,

Mr. Speaker and Members of the Honourable House of Assembly,

Prospective parents have experienced difficulty adopting children in Bermuda because of redundant and archaic regulations that sometimes delay or shatter their dream of building a family. The 1963 Adoption Act and the 1964 Adoption Rules will be updated. The amended legislation will reflect a more modern approach to the adoption process in keeping with the guidelines of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and in accord with the Government's commitment to improve the status of children in these islands.

Mr. President and Members of the Senate,

Mr. Speaker and Members of the Honourable House of Assembly,

The following quote is anonymous - but I believe quite appropriate when we consider the longevity of some of Bermuda's seniors.

Time can be gracious and very beautiful, and those who are steeped in time should have the grace of the dignified living and material services from those who are yet to be old themselves...in that rests a splendid humanity. Anonymous

Seniors today are living longer and healthier lives. Many of them have worked hard to ensure the success of this country; and played significant roles in establishing the Bermuda of today. Whether from a wish to continue to contribute to society, or because of economic necessity, some wish to continue playing an active role.

Therefore, in the forthcoming year, the Government will take steps to ensure that those senior members of our society who wish to remain in the workplace are not overlooked simply because of their age. We believe that all persons have value and all who are willing and capable should be able to work.

Mr. President and Members of the Senate,

Mr. Speaker and Members of the Honourable House of Assembly,

The technical service sector's post-apprenticeship achievements are not currently recognised, so that many local technicians lack the credentials needed to confirm their actual technical skill and competency. To address this lack, the Government will introduce legislation to establish the National Technical Occupations Certification Programme. This legislation will provide an opportunity for Bermuda's eighteen thousand technical workers to acquire qualifications that are recognised and transferable around the world.

To ensure that Bermuda's labour legislation continues to keep pace with the ever changing world around us, the Workmen's Compensation Act 1965 and the Employment Act 2000, will also be updated to reflect current practice.

In addition, during the forthcoming year, amendments to broaden the Commission for Unity and Racial Equality (CURE) Act 1994 will be introduced to enable the collection of data on gender and nationality from employers.

Mr. President and Members of the Senate,

Mr. Speaker and Members of the Honourable House of Assembly,

You will recall that under the terms of the Bermuda Constitution Amendment Order 2001, the Government is required to establish the post of Ombudsman. Work on this initiative is well underway and the Government will shortly receive a report containing recommendations on the role and responsibilities of this important post. Legislation will be introduced upon completion of this information gathering process.

Mr. President and Members of the Senate,

Mr. Speaker and Members of the Honourable House of Assembly,

The recent impasse between insurers and medical practitioners has highlighted the need for amendments to the Hospitals Board Act 1970. Those amendments will be forthcoming in the next session so as to provide the Government with the power to intervene for the benefit of patients and impact on the fees that can be charged for the treatment of patients in the hospital.

Additionally, amendments to the Hospital Insurance Act 1970 will extend Government's power to suspend and revoke an insurance company's licence. These amendments will include a provision that will enable the Government to suspend, or revoke, a license where a licensed insurer fails to reimburse a medical or dental practitioner in accordance with the set fees.

Mr. President and Members of the Senate,

Mr. Speaker and Members of the Honourable House of Assembly,

Sports and recreation play a vital role in Bermudian society. Far from just ensuring the health and well being of the community, sports and recreational activities are part of the social and cultural lifeblood of the local community. The results of research into the benefits of such activity confirm that involvement in sporting activity builds character, encourages national pride and heightens self-esteem.

Therefore, as a consequence of Government's adoption of cricket and soccer as Bermuda's national sports, attention will now be given to how these two sports can be enhanced - from the public school system to their promotion at national and international level. In addition, to ensure a degree of consistency throughout the various sports, Government will appoint a committee to draft a Sports Code of Conduct and Ethics. This code will include a set of standards for all teams representing Bermuda at both the national, and international, level.

In this era of enlightened attention to gender issues, it is regrettable to note that there has been a noticeable decline in the number of women and girls who are involved in sport in Bermuda.

To increase awareness among this group of the benefits of sport, the Government will work to ensure that there are no impediments to their participation; while also seeking to improve opportunities for girls and women to engage in sporting activities.

Mr. President and Members of the Senate,

Mr. Speaker and Members of the Honourable House of Assembly,

Bermuda's size has often constricted the full exercise of sporting activities locally. To this end, the Government will amend the Civil Aviation Act 1949 to permit the non-aeronautical use of certain unused airport lands. This change will enable additional facilities to be made available for a wide range of sporting activities.

Mr. President and Members of the Senate,

Mr. Speaker and Members of the Honourable House of Assembly,

Public safety continues to be an area of concern within the community.

Recent events have highlighted the extent to which some members of the community will go to harm their fellow citizens. To send a clear message that violence in our community will not be tolerated, amendments will be introduced to better address serious offences involving the use of weapons.

Mr. President and Members of the Senate,

Mr. Speaker and Members of the Honourable House of Assembly,

Bermuda's natural beauty coupled with the natural friendliness of Bermudians themselves were the bread and butter of this community for many years. However, since the tragic events of 11 September 2001,we have become more aware than ever that this is not enough. The provision of superior service - and unparalleled attractions - must become the basis of our future tourism industry.

The Government, in conjunction with the National Training Board, the Bermuda Industrial Union and the Bermuda Hotel Association, have been working to move Bermuda forward in this area, and in the forthcoming session will introduce recognised industry standards for persons employed in the hospitality industry.

During the months ahead, the Government will re-position the Brand Bermuda. This repositioning will involve the re-branding of the Bermuda product in all markets in an effort to attract the more discerning traveller. Additionally, there will be a renewed effort to develop Bermuda as a sustainable year-round destination through Event Driven Tourism, which will focus on those events that have the greatest potential to attract visitors.

Mr. President and Members of the Senate,

Mr. Speaker and Members of the Honourable House of Assembly,

Bermudians are justifiably proud of this country - the beauty of this small island is unparalleled anywhere in the world - however, the environment is constantly under threat from those who thoughtlessly abuse the limited natural resources that are available to us.

The Bermuda National Parks Act 1986 will be amended to protect coastal habitats and control the import of invasive species that could upset the natural balance of this delicate ecosystem. This amendment is in line with the UN International Convention on Biological Diversity, which is to be formally extended to Bermuda in the spring of 2004.

In addition, the Protected Species Bill 2002 will be introduced to provide protection to Bermuda's endangered and vulnerable species of plants, birds, animals, marine life and their respective habitats. This will fulfil Bermuda's commitment to the Environmental Charter and also meet our obligations under the United Nation's International Convention on Biological Diversity.

Mr. President and Members of the Senate, Mr. Speaker and Members of the Honourable House of Assembly,

Bermuda has achieved world recognition as a jurisdiction of choice in which to conduct business. This tiny island is leading the way in re-insurance and in e-commerce.

In the year ahead, steps will be taken to ensure that the E-infrastructure remains up to date so as to meet the needs of the community. To this end, the harmonisation of telecommunications regulations will take into consideration international best practice and standards.

Further legislation, in keeping with Government's commitment to enact the recommendations set forth by KPMG in its Review of Financial Regulations in the Caribbean Overseas Territories and Bermuda, will also be forthcoming. Specifically, the introduction of Insider Trading and Manipulation Legislation.

Government will also introduce e-commerce consumer protection guidelines and move to strengthen consumer rights with respect to quality of service, terms of service and privacy.

Mr. President and Members of the Senate,

Mr. Speaker and Members of the Honourable House of Assembly,

In addition to the legislative initiatives already mentioned, you will be asked to consider a number of Bills, Discussion Papers, and Regulations during this parliamentary session, including:

The Statistics (Disclosure of Information) Regulations 2002;

Amendments to the Professions Supplementary to Medicine Act 1973 to introduce regulations to govern the proceedings of the Council for the Professions Supplementary to Medicine, the registration of professionals specified under the Act and disciplinary procedures;

Amendments to the Police Complaints Authority Act 1988 to ensure the authority is able to operate efficiently and effectively;

The Professional Veterinary Practitioners Registration Bill to establish a scheme for registration, and a code of conduct for local veterinarians;

The Commercial Horse Stable Licensing Regulations 2002 to secure improvements to the conditions of commercial stables and to protect the welfare of animals; and

The International Sanctions Act 2002 to enable a Minister to give effect by subordinate legislation to non-UN sanction obligations.

Mr. President and Members of the Senate,

Mr. Speaker and Members of the Honourable House of Assembly,

The year ahead holds many challenges and many opportunities as you are called upon to legislate and implement the Government's continuing programme for the well being of all the citizens of Bermuda.

Mr. President and Members of the Senate,

Mr. Speaker and Members of the Honourable House of Assembly,

At the end of this my first speech from the Throne I would wish only to add how much I have admired, over the last six months, what I have seen of Bermuda's representative democracy. I recall with pleasure the visit my wife and I made to the House of Assembly for the joint session of the two Houses in July. The quality of the debate in both your Houses does credit to you all and serves Bermuda well. My wife and I are greatly enjoying our new responsibilities and look forward to helping in every way we can to preserve the special nature of this wonderful land.

Mr. President and Members of the Senate,

Mr. Speaker and Members of the Honourable House of Assembly,

It now gives me great pleasure, on Behalf of her Majesty the Queen, to declare this session of Parliament open.

I leave you now to the business of this Parliamentary Session, with full confidence that the Government will favourably discharge its duties and responsibilities.

May divine providence continue to bless Bermuda and guide this Legislature in all its deliberations.

Photos by Tony Cordeiro