2010 Live Blogging: Throne Speech & Parliament
Today [Nov 5] Bermuda’s newest Premier Paula Cox, and the members of the Legislature are gathering on the Cabinet grounds where Governor Sir Richard Gozney will read The Speech from the Throne.
This year’s document will be the first for Premier Cox and will outline her Government’s Legislative Agenda for 2011.
Premier Cox said yesterday, “As this is a new Administration, this year’s Throne Speech will have particular significance. It will reflect initiatives and services that are aligned with the needs of the people, and it will demonstrate that this is a document inclusive of all of Bermuda’s residents, ultimately outlining the road map we intend to follow to execute and deliver on our promises.”
We will carry brief live updates below, and more comprehensive coverage later including the full speech:
10:45am: Government had promoted a live CITV broadcast of today’s Re-Convening of Parliament, and as of 10:45am CITV TV channel says “Due to circumstances beyond our control we are unable to bring you live coverage of the Re-Convening of Legislature at this time.” Their web stream also appears to be not functioning. Local radio stations [VSB, ZBM] should be carrying live radio coverage however.
10:50: The Governor has arrived via horse and carriage, and is now inspecting the Regiment on Front Street. He has instructed ‘Black Rod’ to bring the MPs down, the first year the ‘Black Rod’ is a female.
11:02: A fairly large crowd has gathered to watch the proceedings, with people lining the street. One man is holding a British Flag in the air. It is indicated by people on the scene that CITV should be live soon.
11:06am: CITV is now showing the ceremony on live television – tune into Channel 2.
11:08am: Leader of the Opposition Kim Swan is decked out in hat and tails, he walked out with the Premier. Other MPs are walking out one by one, all dressed in their finest attire. As is tradition each year, there plenty of fabulous hats on display from the female MPs.
11:11am: The MPs have all finished walking out.
11:16am: Governor Sir Richard Gozney is now reading the Throne Speech. CITV television seems to not be showing it, and is now showing ‘The Big Conversation’
11:18am: Sir Richard says we have heard the administration reject ‘business as usual’, and says that the Government proposes to restrain spending, and effect savings of $150 million a year. Says that there will be a new independent counsel for the Auditor General.
11:21am: Speaks on the Ministry of Tourism and Business Development, says will look for new business streams to enchance economy. Says the Government is intent on jump starting the economy, and the challenges of violent crime must be met head on. Says a second Police support unit is being considered, and a Gang Task Force has been established.
11:24am: CITV is now showing the Throne Speech again – Channel 2 on CableVision
11:24: Says Government has established a Ministry of Youth, Family & Sport, says we must support our youth. Says Government also intends to acknowledge war veterans, says all vets are deserving of island’s gratitude, says a new 7-wall memorial is being built on the grounds of Cabinet House.
11:28am: Says adoption of Cambridge Curriculum is important for education, says to compliment it they will introduce “master principals.” Says Board of Education will be strengthened. Speaks on new hospital, says health is a priority, “quality care must be affordable”, says by 2010 more affordable insurance options will be available.
11:30am: Speaking on environment, says coral reefs must be preserved, says Government will take steps to reduce littering. Says water systems are strained due to lower rain, says Government will establish a plan to address this. Government will mount an energy conservation campaign targeting the younger generation.
11:40am: Throne Speech completed, full text available here.
11:45am: Senators, MPs, Judges, and other assorted guests are filing out. The Regiment is marching off.
12:30pm: First set of photos posted here
