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.

Since Parliament was last convened, the voters of Bermuda have exercised their democratic right to choose Parliamentary leaders. Those who form the present Government are greatly encouraged by the fresh mandate they have been given.

Government pledges itself to the implementation of the initiatives contained in the Blueprint For The Future , and is gratified by the confidence expressed in this plan by the electorate.

The Blueprint For The Future charts the way ahead for Bermuda and will now become a working document. Government will seek wider participation by Bermudians as it broadens the decision-making process, for Government is resolved to ensure that Bermuda faces the challenges ahead as a united and determined people.

There can be no question that the world is changing dramatically. If our Island is to survive, and to prosper, we must embrace the needed change. By doing so we will emerge stronger, more competitive and more determined than ever that all Bermudians should participate in the success of the country.

Bermuda's economy has done remarkably well by comparison with those of the rest of the world. However, there remain many uncertainties on the international scene which could impede further growth. It is a fact that Bermuda is totally dependent on the global economic climate for its prosperity. It must be competitive and well-managed if it is to continue to be successful. Decisions taken in the coming years will be crucial to the long-term economic opportunities available to Bermuda's people.

The implementation of new initiatives and the continuation of the many support programmes in place are dependent upon our continued ability to manage our affairs with competence and skill. Government will, therefore, continue to place emphasis on achieving a balanced current account and on the general good management of Bermuda's economic affairs.

The last few years have challenged all Bermudians. Many have been assisted by Government's social assistance programmes. The Government believes its ability to provide this assistance during an economic recession is an indication of the success of its management and planning. Government remains determined to produce the economic environment necessary for the highest level of employment possible, which will allow Bermudians to participate in the real opportunities of the future.

Bermuda will expand its contacts on the international scene. Recent international diplomatic contacts will be continued, as the Government explores every avenue to expand the economic opportunity available to Bermudians at all levels.

The Task Force on Employment and the Commission on Competitiveness are due to report in the near future. These reports will be studied carefully and discussed widely, with a view to further improving the competitiveness of Bermuda as a destination for both tourists and international business.

The Government has formed a new Ministry designed to deal with discrimination in the community, and to work with all concerned to develop solutions. A race relations division will be established in this new Ministry. Although Bermuda has every right to be proud of the significant progress which has been made towards achieving equality in our community, there still exist barriers preventing some from participating fully. These barriers must be removed.

Government will now form a task force designed to evaluate all impediments to equal opportunity.

The impact of drugs on our community is simply unacceptable. Government will have the Commission for the National Drugs Strategy in place by year's end and will provide the funds to ensure the effectiveness of the Commission's efforts. A national drug rehabilitation facility will be created. The drug prevention pilot scheme currently underway in St. David's will be reviewed and, if it has been successful, expanded to encompass the entire Island.

Government believes that the drug problem can only be dealt with effectively when the whole community is mobilised to combat it.

A review of Police resources will be undertaken in order to ensure that the Police are able to focus the necessary resources on combating drug trafficking and the other crimes which it spawns.

The "Door'' concept, which is designed to provide a single centre offering comprehensive and integrated services for adolescent needs, will be further examined for potential introduction to Bermuda.

In consultation with the Parish Councils and the broader community, the Government will review the role of the Councils so that they may better serve Bermuda.

If our young people are to seize the opportunities of the future, then our Education system must improve significantly. The new education plan is being implemented. The process of converting existing schools and constructing new facilities has begun. At the same time, the curriculum is being developed to help students take advantage of increased opportunities in tourism and international business.

The Bermuda College has been developed by Government into a facility of which all Bermudians can be proud. Another new building at the Stonington Campus will be begun in the new year, with full consolidation taking place within three years. The Bermuda College will also pursue the provision of a wider variety of recognised degree and diploma courses, and will improve secondary school student access to the College by improving its contacts with all Bermuda's schools.

Bermuda can be very proud of the number of our students who have benefited from higher education. Government is committed to improving Bermuda's record of success in this area. Thus, in the coming year, a National Education Foundation will be formed with an initial capital of $2 million. The Foundation will be designed to provide additional financial guarantees and advice to qualified students seeking to complete their further education.

In this changing world, there is sometimes a need for Bermudians to be re-trained in new areas of endeavour. A new section within the Department of Labour is now being created to provide this service. Simultaneously, the operation of the Government Employment Office is being reviewed to ensure it effectively supports Bermudians seeking new job opportunities.

Government recognises the growing need of students for summer employment. A joint committee with the private sector will be formed by year's end, with a view to improving access to summer employment. In the longer term, Government intends to facilitate the provision of both internship and apprenticeship programmes.

The youth of Bermuda need to be encouraged to participate more in the running of the country. To this end, Government intends to foster their participation by supporting youth summits, the development of a volunteer youth corps, a Bermudian youth magazine and youth television projects.

Government will also expand the use of school facilities by encouraging their greater use by the community.

Tenders for a new dock facility at Ordnance Island, made necessary by the new cruise ship, will now be sought. Work to provide for the new ship will have been completed in time for its arrival in May.

A new fire truck is to be provided for the Corporation of St. George's and consultation between Government and the Corporation of St. George's will continue.

A Family Court facility will be put in place in the coming year and a complete review of child abuse is currently under way. When that review has been completed, Government expects to introduce a comprehensive package of legislation designed to provide protection for children very quickly.

Government is determined to reduce the arrears of maintenance owed to single parents, and intends to explore further options to improve collection.

The Government is convinced that the idea that violence in the home is less serious than any other form of violence is wrong, and will press to ensure all crimes of a violent nature are dealt with as being of equal gravity.

Bermuda's new correctional facility will provide real opportunities for rehabilitation. Government is determined that serious criminal offenders should be dealt with firmly, but would balance this approach by providing opportunities for offenders to correct their anti-social behaviour.

Alternatives to prison terms, as recommended by the Tumim Report on our system of justice, are now being investigated and, where appropriate, will be introduced.

A just society for all means equality of opportunity for all. Government will form a joint review group with the private sector to devise new, more equitable policies for tendering for Government contracts of all kinds.

Plans for a National Pension Scheme, designed to ensure access to security in later life for all Bermudians, will be introduced in this Parliamentary session.

The future of the United States Naval Air Station and its impact on the operation of the Civil Air Terminal is of prime importance to Bermuda. The departure of the Canadian Forces from Bermuda must also receive further close attention. International discussions and diplomacy will thus be continued and every opportunity for Bermuda vigorously pursued.

Government remains committed to the protection of our environment. The National Parks System will be further developed to provide for increased public enjoyment of these valuable resources. Recreational and community playground facilities will be provided throughout Bermuda within the parks system.

Government intends to simplify the licensing process for drivers of motorcycles, cars and light trucks, extend the licensing period for public service vehicle drivers and reduce the number of annual inspections required for taxis. Government is also determined to improve the viability of the taxi industry by working closely with a newly-created industry committee.

The new Airport Authority will be established in the coming year and efforts made to increase revenue from both the Shipping and Aircraft Registers.

Government will remove Customs duty on public service vehicles which are specially designed to assist the physically challenged.

Government is determined to implement the Blueprint For The Future . It is intended that the Government's plan should be a dynamic process incorporating the necessary changes while working towards the realisation of the aspirations of all Bermudians. Guided by this plan and with a determination to realise the stated objectives, Bermudians can move forward as one people.

Bermuda looks forward to the visit, next March, of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, and His Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh. The Royal couple is assured of a warm welcome from the people of Bermuda, many of whom have happy memories of Her Majesty's last visit to the Island in 1975.

Mr. Speaker and Members of the Hon. House of Assembly.

The Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for the next financial year will be laid before you.

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 in the coming year, including the following: The Bermuda Monetary Authority (Amendment) Bill The Companies (Amendment) Bill The Criminal Code (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill The Criminal Justice (International Cooperation) Bill The Housing Allowance (Amendment) Bill The Human Rights (Amendment) Bill The Insurance (Amendment) Bill The Magistrates (Amendment) Bill The Merchant Shipping (Demise Charter) Bill The Parish Assistance Repeal Bill The Pensions Trust Fund (Amendment) Bill There are significant challenges ahead for Bermuda. We can be proud of all that has been accomplished and of the way Bermuda has survived the most significant challenge to its well-being for decades. However, if we are to move ahead and grasp the opportunities of the future, we must do so determined to develop a Bermuda of equal opportunity, where all Bermudians will be competing and participating in an expanding economy and job market.

Bermuda will be a place where advancement is based on individual choice, ability, energy and commitment.

A committed and united Bermuda can produce opportunity out of challenge.

Government will provide the leadership and the management skills needed to recognise the changes taking place and to ensure that Bermuda evolves as a successful, prosperous, just and fair society.

Tradition allows a few personal remarks at the end of this Speech and, last year, I said that my wife and I counted ourselves very fortunate indeed to be living here in this beautiful Island. We have now been in Bermuda for more than a year. It has been a year of great happiness and fulfilment for us, during which we have made numerous friends in all sections of the community.

We will continue to serve Bermuda to the best of our ability. It is a great honour to open Parliament today on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen, whose visit here next March we eagerly await. I 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 your deliberations.

GOVERNOR Lord Waddington during his delivery of yesterday's Throne Speech.