The Government’s pledge to improve operational efficiency is “a commendable step forward”, the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce said after the reading of the 2023 Throne Speech.

Danielle Riviere, the chief executive, tempered her praise by adding: “A Throne Speech is as good as it delivers — we hope we see the deliverables.

“We are very pleased to see the Government’s operational changes, especially with immigration and planning. Both are key areas, which impact our growth.”

Rena Lalgie, the Governor, told the gathering for the opening of Parliament that while planning laws had recently been streamlined, “complaints from residents continue and many are frustrated by their interactions with the department”.

Ms Lalgie further stated that immigration processes would be digitally improved to boost customer satisfaction.

She highlighted the creation of a “single-payment portal” encompassing all government services, including customs payments at the airport, online or by mobile phone.

Ms Riviere responded: “Any means where government is digitally streamlining its processes is huge. There is more than just immigration and planning that can be improved.”

She said the chamber also welcomed plans to provide “benefits to businesses that retain able-bodied, capable workers beyond age 65”.

“The over-65s in the workforce is definitely related to the pension issues we are having,” Ms Riviere said.

The move was in keeping with “changing times and individuals’ desires”.

“But it’s also reflective of what’s happening internationally, where people are living longer and so their working time is being extended.”

It was also in line with the Government’s call to expand the island’s workforce.

In 2019, the Government raised the mandatory retirement age for Public Service workers by three years, to 68.

Age Concern, the seniors’ charity, said it was not consulted on the Throne Speech announcement. However, executive director Mercedes Pringle-DeSilva told The Royal Gazette: “We definitely welcome it.

“Universally, the age for retirement is increasing. As long as people are able-bodied and want to continue working, that should be something we support.

“In a community like ours, where the ageing population is higher, there should be incentives such as these.”

She added: “Hopefully the law will also be changing in regard to age discrimination.”

The Human Rights Act contains a string of protections as it pertains to age, from renting accommodation to goods and services.

However, the island lacks specific workplace protection for the elderly — something promised by the Government as a work in progress ten years ago.