delivered by Governor Lord Waddington at the convening of Parliament yesterday.

Mr. President and Members of The Senate: Mr. Speaker and Members of The Hon. House of Assembly: During the past twelve months, much has been achieved by the Government, and today, I shall outline Government's plans for this second Parliamentary Session of 1994.

The Blueprint For The Future, which details the basic plan of the Government for the full five years of this Parliament, contains commitments related to improving the economic and social well-being of the people of Bermuda.

As Government continues to meet its Blueprint commitments, it is ever mindful that a strong, stable economy provides the means for ensuring that the social needs of Bermuda's people are met. Work on the Blueprint is progressing according to schedule, with some 18 of the 111 commitments having been completed during the past year and work having begun on a further 85 commitments.

As well as meeting its Blueprint commitments, the Government, in keeping with its obligations to maintain Bermuda's enviable quality of life, will continue to dedicate its energies to achieving the many other initiatives that will be required to ensure the efficient running of our highly complex and sophisticated society.

Government is gravely concerned about the negative impact of crime in our society. Steps will be taken to deal with certain specific concerns: crimes associated with drugs, violence in the home and crimes against tourists.

Parish constables are being reorganised to strengthen community policing.

Support for the Police and drug interdiction will be increased and this will be balanced by programmes in the area of drug education, prisoner rehabilitation and counselling.

Parliament will debate the Criminal Justice (International Cooperation) (Bermuda) Bill in this Session. This legislation, when enacted, will give Bermuda the ability to cooperate with, and to seek assistance from, other jurisdictions in combatting illegal drug trafficking.

An amendment will be made to the Obscene Publications Act, 1973 making it an offence in Bermuda to market satellite programmes that feature pornographic material. It is further intended to make the importation and sale of pornographic computer programmes an offence.

One of the more challenging and unique opportunities facing Bermuda in this coming Session will be the takeover of properties currently held by the US Government.

Steps are being put in effect to ensure a smooth transition at the Airport, including assuming responsibility for air traffic control, meteorology, crash, fire and rescue services and security. A new Air Operations management structure will be established to administer all matters relating to the Bermuda International Airport and every effort will be made to create employment opportunities for Bermudians.

The question of whether Bermuda should make major constitutional advances will be debated during this coming Session. The facts surrounding the advantages and disadvantages of independence will be set out in a Green Paper, followed by an intensive public education programme so that the people of Bermuda will be able to make an informed decision on this vital issue. Then, the question of independence or of maintaining the status quo will be decided by way of a referendum.

The Government recognises that race is a very sensitive issue in Bermuda, but it is heartened by the candid manner in which Bermudians are prepared to discuss the problem. The Government is very optimistic about the future of race relations in Bermuda and believes that, working through the auspices of the Ministry of Human Affairs and Information, the Island can look forward to great strides being taken to achieve an even more significant degree of racial equality and harmony as we approach the new millennium.

Legislation will be laid before Parliament to create a Commission for Unity and Racial Equality (CURE). The Commission will promote equality of opportunity for all individuals, encourage positive race relations and work towards the elimination of all forms of institutional racism.

The Criminal Code and the Human Rights Act will be amended. The Criminal Code amendments will make racially-motivated acts a criminal offence.

The Government will join forces with the Women's Advisory Council and other women's organisations to undertake a comprehensive review of issues of concern to women. In particular, issues such as child care, personal safety and equality in the workplace and in society will be examined and a policy paper outlining Government's position will be produced.

Bermudians, not unlike others in the Western world, are concerned about their personal economic security and the welfare of their families.

Although the worst effects of the recession are over, the Government will maintain its commitments to assist and help those Bermudians who require support. Equally, Government will continue its efforts to create more jobs, especially in the hard-pressed construction industry.

New initiatives will be introduced in the coming Session to safeguard our economic stability and long-term prosperity.

The work programme initiated in the wake of the recession will be continued.

An additional feature of this programme will be its ability to accept persons from the correctional facility to assist them to work in a structured environment for up to six months immediately following this release.

The Government's policy of open tendering on construction, building maintenance and painting contracts has brought considerable savings to Government. The policy will be expanded and continued in other areas.

Government is gratified that this change in policy is proving particularly beneficial to small contractors.

The Government will examine ways of assisting small businesses. A review of the Small Business Development Corporation Act and its policies will be undertaken to strengthen support for small businesses.

Government will continue to give high priority to improving the standard of living for all Bermudians while, at the same time, remaining dedicated to the policy of a balanced current account Budget.

A Green Paper on Pensions will be submitted to Parliament during this Session, aimed at providing for the widest possible input on an issue of tremendous significance to every Bermudian.

Government will continue to work closely with those directly involved in ensuring the success of Bermuda's tourism business. The hospitality industry continues to employ large numbers of Bermudians, earn vital foreign exchange and complement the international financial community.

Government will provide additional incentives for the hospitality industry to refurbish their physical plants and revitalise the industry.

International business is an important aspect of the local economy and it was the earnings from this sector which considerably softened the effects of the recent recession. Government plans to further strengthen this vital pillar of the Island's economy.

A new Education Act will be introduced in this Session to facilitate the changes in the system.

Government has set out a clear programme for the future development of the Island's educational system and, as new programmes in education come on line, Government is committed to upgrading both the quality of teaching and administration as well as improving physical facilities.

Government is proud of the high quality of students coming out of the educational system as evidenced by the quality of the Bermuda College's graduates. Further resources will be put into education with special attention to technical and vocational training as Bermuda continues to invest in its future.

A system-wide Code of Discipline is being reviewed by principals, teachers and parents and will be introduced in 1995.

Government is encouraged by the partnership which is developing between the business community and schools which is evidenced by the creation of the Education Business Partnership Committee.

Bermuda's youth continue to excel at all levels, both locally and abroad, in academic endeavours, the arts and sports. Government, through the Ministries of Youth, Sport and Recreation, Community and Cultural Affairs and Education, will renew its support in money and manpower, to assist in their future development.

The Ministries of the Environment, Education, Works and Engineering and Youth, Sport and Recreation are developing action plans to provide more areas for community recreation, particularly in high-density areas.

The Government notes, with satisfaction, that the Community Education and Development Programme is well established and that thousands of Bermudians have benefited from its varied courses. Government proposes to continue the pilot programme known as SNAP -Stimulating The Neighbourhood Action Process.

This project makes available funding to community organisations that submit proposals for projects aimed at neighbourhood improvement.

As a result of a comprehensive review of the Mental Health Act, 1968, legislation is to be introduced to address the rights of patients, reflect modern psychiatric practice and allow for the proper development and supervision of community care.

A Government Task Force, currently investigating child abuse in Bermuda, is expected to complete its review and recommendations based on its findings will be considered by Parliament.

The Government has commissioned a review of health-care services in Bermuda and it is anticipated that an interim report will be placed before Parliament.

Government recognises its responsibility to senior citizens through the provision of hospital facilities and assistance to the elderly.

An actuarial study is being conducted to determine the extent to which contributory pension contributions would have to be raised in order to ensure that pensioners' benefits can be increased annually by at least the rise in the cost of living.

Government will make a number of policy proposals to facilitate the transportation of the Island's physically challenged residents and visitors.

Government's ongoing programmes to improve the physical infrastructure of the Island will receive renewed attention as the Government addresses such vital matters as road improvements, new sidewalks, improved public parks and work on the Pembroke Marsh, now that the Tyne's Bay Waste Treatment Facility is on line.

A review of Bermuda's labour legislation will be undertaken in consultation with the Labour Advisory Council to ensure fairness in the workplace.

Government intends to carry out a review of certain immigration policies in order to protect the interests of Bermudians while also recognizing our obligation to those non-Bermudians who reside and work in Bermuda.

The Blueprint For The Future proposes a number of improvements related to the economic and social well-being of the people of Bermuda. With the implementation of The Blueprint, together with the other Government initiatives outlined in this Throne Speech, the Government is confident that the people of Bermuda can look forward to a brighter future.

Mr. President and Members of The Senate: Mr. Speaker and Members of The Hon. House of Assembly: You will be invited to consider a number of Bills and Discussion Papers in the coming year, including the following: The Advertisements Regulation (Amendment) Bill The Bermuda Hospitals Board (Amendment) Bill The Commission for Unity & Racial Equality Bill The Companies (Amendment) Bill The Criminal Code (Amendment) Bill The Education Bill The Human Rights (Amendment) Bill The Insurance (Amendment) Bill The Liquor Licence (Amendment) Bill The Mental Health (Amendment) Bill The Nurses (Amendment) Bill The Obscene Publications (Amendment) Bill The Permit Partnership Bill The Professions Supplementary To Medicine (Amendment) Bill The Referendum Bill The Discussion Paper on The Age of Majority The Code of Ethics for the Workplace The Report of The Task Force on Employment The Report of The Task Force on Competitiveness I am glad custom allows me to conclude this speech with some words of my own.

It is a great honour to open Parliament today on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen who, I know, was deeply touched by the welcome she received on her visit to Bermuda in March and greatly impressed by the beauty of Bermuda and the friendliness of her people.

My wife and I for our part can only promise that we will continue to serve Bermuda to the best of our ability; and we wish all of you well in your work.

Mr. President and Members of The Senate: Mr. Speaker and Members of The Hon. House of Assembly: I now declare this Session open. May God guide you in all your deliberations.

ON HIS WAY -- Governor Lord Waddington arrives at the Cabinet Office yesterday.