Throne Speech
The Throne Speech is a time-honored tradition that marks the start of a new parliamentary year in Bermuda.
Delivered by the Governor on behalf of the Bermuda Government, the speech sets out the legislative agenda and key policy goals for the coming year. The ceremony begins with a procession led by the Black Rod, who invites members of the House of Assembly to attend the convening, followed by a formal gathering on the Cabinet grounds, allowing the public to witness this historic event. The Governor then reads the Throne Speech, presenting the Government’s priorities for the year.
Following the speech, the elected Members of Parliament and Senators engage in debate, with responses from both the Opposition Leader and the Premier.
This ceremony is more than just tradition; it is an essential moment of reflection, vision, and dialogue that shapes Bermuda’s future.
Throne Speech 2024
Madame President and Members of the Senate; Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Assembly; the Government is making steady progress toward building a fairer and more equitable Bermuda. Seniors’ pensions have been increased in successive years by the CPI, and payroll tax has been reduced for 86% of Bermuda’s workers. Childcare assistance has been expanded so that now families making under $130,000 can get help paying for childcare. In the last three years the Government has converted to use 71 affordable housing units with 118 more on the way. The Government has also introduced the first ever minimum wage in Bermuda.
The results of the Government’s fairness initiatives are paying dividends in times of rising global prices. We are seeing increased numbers of Bermudians working, as the number of jobs is increasing across multiple industries, with record numbers employed in international business. Overall, economic performance is strong and growing, our economy remains resilient. The Government’s improving fiscal position has enabled the provision of relief to the residents of Bermuda. The high cost of healthcare has been mitigated by the third successive year of a freeze on Government’s portion of the standard health benefit, and the impact of global increases in the cost of fuel have been staved off by local, Government-led action. On the heels of the f irst expected budget surplus in 21 years, better than expected fiscal performance has allowed the Government to reduce energy taxes by 60%, while deploying an unprecedented $25m social and infrastructure package to broaden the reach of the Island’s economic success into social transformation. Bermuda has devised a corporate income tax regime that has cemented confidence in our pragmatic and collaborative approach to the invaluable partnership with international business. This approach is business friendly and will make Bermuda’s tax system fairer by allowing the Government to reduce or eliminate taxes that increase the cost of living.
An historic hotel redevelopment has been secured through direct Government led negotiations which is already manifesting a positive economic impact. The Fairmont Southampton transaction represents Bermuda’s largest hotel project and signals the renaissance of our tourism in defiance of considerable opposition to the redevelopment plans for this iconic emblem of the second pillar of this economy. This hotel project represents jobs and opportunities for Bermudians.
Throne Speech Photos
To view more photos from today's ceremony, click here to view our Facebook photo album.
Snapshot Information from Throne Speech 2024
