Government outlines ambitious Plan in throne speech

By Candia Dames ~ Guardian News Editor ~ candia@nasguard.com:



The government yesterday outlined an ambitious legislative agenda in the Speech from the Throne, which highlighted more than 30 measures it intends to have passed.

A few of the proposed pieces of legislation were contained in the 2007 speech, but a notable item — the controversial marital rape bill — is not listed for resurrection. And despite what some expected, there was no mention of any legislation to provide for the legalization of gambling for Bahamians.

The government's statement that it intends to amend the Bail Act drew applause as it was read by Sir Arthur Foulkes, the country's newest governor general who was sworn in about an hour earlier at Government House.

The statement came amid ongoing public concern about violent crime in the society and calls for the government to act to address the scourge.

"Many provisions in the Penal Code and in the Criminal Procedure Code are relics from a bygone period," the speech says.

"My government will therefore place before you legislation to enact a new modern Penal Code and a new updated Criminal Procedure Code."

The speech continues, "A number of persons who commit crimes, do so whilst on bail pending trial for other offenses. An amendment to the Bail Act will be placed before you to further restrict the right to bail for persons charged with serious crimes, and to limit the circumstances under which bail may be granted."

It was also announced that legislation will be brought to repeal and replace the existing Magistrates Court Act. The government will introduce a new Coroners Act, and legislation to repeal and replace the 1943 Prison Act.

In addition, the government intends to amend the Legal Profession Act to facilitate more expeditious disciplining of errant attorneys.

Saying that it has a long-standing commitment to good, effective and open governance, the government foreshadowed a Freedom of Information Bill "meant to enhance transparency and accountability and to provide the Bahamian people and the media with greater access to government decision-making". Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham has previously said he has no specific timeline for introducing this measure, other than he intends to have it passed before the end of his five-year term in office.

The government also announced in its speech yesterday that it will continue public sector reform and will place before Parliament a new Public Service Act.

Another notable measure included in the Speech from the Throne is a proposed bill to amend the Parliamentary Elections Act. The need for amendments to this piece of legislation was highlighted after the recent Elizabeth Election Court ruling exposed failures in the parliamentary registration system — as did the two rulings handed down in the Pinewood and Marco City challenges brought after the 2007 general election.

In the seven-page speech, the government outlined proposed legislation to protect the environment.

"To further bolster our environmental defenses and combat the dire effects of climate change, legislation will be placed before you to make enforcement of various international obligations and domestic laws more vigorous and effective," the speech says.

The government promised legislation to impose levies on the disposal of carbon-polluting items such as motor vehicles, tires, appliances and other items. It also proposes to amend the Bahamas National Trust Act, and has promised a Forestry Act and an Animal Control and Protection Act.

As it did in the 2007 speech, the government has committed to introducing a bill to protect the rights of persons with disabilities.

Other measures are also being proposed. Some of them are proposed legislation for a new Securities Act, a Small and Medium Size Business Development Act, a Medical Act and a Contractors Act.

The House of Assembly has been adjourned to next week Wednesday. Among other matters, there will be a resolution to thank the governor general for reading the Speech from the Throne.


April 15, 2010

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