Plans to fine cab drivers who refuse to turn on their mandatory GPS systems are likely to be announced in today’s Throne Speech.

Mike Ray, president of Bermuda’s largest cab firm BTA Dispatching, said the move was understandable given the large number of drivers not cooperating with the new technology.

Since August, Global Positioning Systems have had to be fitted in each cab but Mr. Ray said his statistics showed only about 200

of the 400 vehicles with his firm were using the machines. Sometimes it was as low as a 100.

He told The Royal Gazette: “I feel it may be on the cards to make it an offence if drivers don’t use the systems.”

Asked if Government was right to take this course he said: “Yes, given the reports we have showing the numbers who should have been using it are not using it. We have brought it on ourselves. I have heard it could be fines. And also it could be in the Throne Speech.”

Last night Transport Permanent Secretary Marc Telemaque could neither confirm nor deny the claims.

The Throne Speech, which will be the first legislative programme of Ewart Brown’s new Government, will be read out by Governor Sir John Vereker on the Cabinet ground lawns this morning.

It’s contents are being eagerly awaited. Sheelagh Cooper of the Coalition for the Protection of Children welcomed the new Ministry of Social Rehabilitation, under Dale Butler.

Asked about measures she hoped would be in the Throne Speech she said: “I would like to see an end to the practice of removing children from their mother’s care simply because she is homeless.

“I would like to see a policy developed so a mother can find and keep housing - use the money currently being spent on foster parents towards keeping families together.”

She said it was time to end the jailing of those in debt. “It is an archaic practice which has no place in a civilised country.

“We have mothers going to jail for not paying hospital bills because they are not insured.”

A meaningful poverty line which took account of the real cost of living was also something Mrs. Cooper said she would like Mr. Butler to look at.

“We also need to look seriously at establishing a minimum wage which is based on the cost of living — if you work 40 hours then you can make sufficient money to support yourself in this society with the basic necessities.”

Prison Officers Association chairman Craig Clarke also welcomed the new Social Rehabilitation Ministry and said Government needed to start at Westgate where he said there was only one psychologist for more than 300 inmates.

What was needed was action and stability after plenty of talk about helping the young black male said Mr. Clarke who noted the Public Safety Ministry, which governs prisons, continually had new political masters.

He added: “Everyone pays lip service about doing things but we have been through five ministers in five years. We met with Derrick Burgess last week and now it’s David Burch.”

Bermuda Employers Council president William DeSilva said he hoped the Throne Speech would promise more immigration staff to deal with the backlog of work permits and other applications.

“That is first, second and third on our wish list.”