A focus on continuing improvement to Bermuda’s economic renewal and social transformation driving the core message in the 2024 Throne Speech delivered Friday morning by Governor Rena Lalgie.
Bermuda’s overall economic performance was described as strong, growing and resilient, during the Throne Speech presentation.
To maintain growth, the Government has focused on legislative changes to improve housing inventory and promote property development.
You’ll recall that the Bermudiana Beach Resort conversion to residential units should add an additional 94 units to the local market.
In addition, legislative amendments will be made to access derelict properties and there will be changes to the landlord and tenant act.
On the legal front, efforts to boost the jury selection pool will be made by permitting jurors to sit up to the age of 75 and increasing allowances.
And there will be a new court, to support victims of domestic violence.
Governor Lalgie said, “In partnership with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Judiciary, the Ministry of Justice will support the creation of a domestic violence court programme, ensuring devoted attention to the protection of victims with speedier protection orders and equally requiring accountability on the part of perpetrators.”
The government also seeks to set up a formal process of regulating mergers and acquisitions affecting the costs of essential goods and services on the island to protect consumers.
Governor Lalgie added, “Given the real challenges with costs in Bermuda, residents rightly should expect that the Government should act in the public interest if it is deemed necessary to do so. Therefore, during this legislative session, the government will commence consultations on amendments to legislation to allow scrutiny of local mergers and acquisitions that concentrate significant power in essential sectors.”
