Live posting from the opening of Parliament. It’s running late and disorganised. There’s a small group protesting the lack of transportation options for physically challenged. MPs slowly filtering in, I guess to maximize their moment of glory. Excuse my typing.
In 12 months since last speech, paradigm shifts. Bermuda not immune to global issues, and this Gov committed to fostering environment for all stakeholders to prosper in New Bermuda.
Government wants to reawaken sense of community through programme for national service fostering work skills for young people.
Implementation of Hopkins review has been paced not to inconvenience students (ha!) Increased school guidance for at risk students, special focus on boys, more career training. Increased focus on teacher certifications. Introduction of Portuguese language in schools.
More work and consultation on daycare.
Some new vehicle to replace CURE as it is viewed as ineffective. Data gathering will go to Statistics.
Permanent home on an island for MIRRORS.
Policy framework to address the gaps identified in Mincy Report. Lots of scope for interpretation of what this means.
Government will establish a state of the art recording studio (WTF?!?) to help youth get into music business.
Human Rights Act will be amended to ensure “no person is discriminated against in Bermuda”. Not sure what that’s code for …
Amend laws re robbery and juries, plus electronic tagging for people on bail. Changes to Liquor Licensing Act and regulation.
Mangrove restoration plan. More public playgrounds in Parks. Queen bee rearing project.
White paper on Energy and incentives for household conservation and adoption of new technologies.
Reform for telecom sector (again).
National health strategy. Amend Health Council as people’s watchdog. Other law updates. Plan for physically challenged (wheelchair access ramps at beaches).
Access to healthcare – FutureCare will continue to be developed “but not in the face of callous acts in the private sector”. May act against insurers that exclude people, particularly aged. Obamesque Public option health plan?
Create visa waiver assistance programme for people needing help to get in US. Will pursue getting visa free access to other countries.
Parliamentary conference under CPA to craft modernised legislature and update our legislative democracy.
Gaming must be debated. Green paper, based on dispassionate research.
Amendment to Banks act to strengthen intervention by BMA under IMF recommendations. Deposit insurance scheme for retail accounts.
Bermuda must remain upbeat about tourism. Will look to add more incentives for hotel properties. More joint marketing between Gov and individual properties.
Bermuda mosiac – in unity we have strength yadda yadda yadda. Geo Washington Carver “How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in your life you will have been all of these.”
Governor says he will uphold Constitution.
Very short speech this year. Not much “as much change as Bermuda can take” – I guess that the more controversial initiatives are glossed over.
I need coffee. Gazette has the full text now.
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