- NORMAN GRINDLEY/DEPUTY CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
Governor-General, Sir Howard Cooke arrives at the ceremonial opening of parliament at Gordon House, Duke Street yesterday where he later delivered his throne speech. Accompanying him are Jamaica Defence Force Chief of Staff, Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin (at right) and Aide-de-Camp, Mahatma Williams.
THE GOVERNMENT will be redoubling its efforts this year to fight crime and violence with the introduction of new pieces of legislation to support its cause and continued pressure on criminals, including those with international connections.
Governor-General Sir Howard Cooke highlighted this yesterday as he delivered the Throne Speech in Gordon House outlining the Government's thrust for the new legislative year.
"We will not surrender to the criminal elements no matter what resources that have plundered. Jamaica is ours to shape, nurture and enjoy," he declared at the ceremonial opening of Parliament.
"We must defend it resolutely on behalf of the vast majority of well-thinking and upright persons who represent the mainstream of our nation," he emphasised to desk-pounding from both PNP and JLP Members of Parliament.
NEW LEGISLATION
Sir Howard said that to bolster its crime-fighting efforts, the government will be further amending the Firearms Act, to increase penalties for the illegal importation and distribution of guns. He said too that new legislation to forfeit to the Crown, the proceeds of criminal conduct, will be introduced.
"The new provisions will further restrict those involved in criminal practices from enjoying the wealth of their ill-gotten gains," said the Governor-General.
Two pieces of legislation to bring into effect the Port Security Agency and the National Independent Investigation Authority will be introduced in the first half of the legislative year, he said.
On the issue of the economy, Sir Howard said that the government would be focusing on the growth areas of the economy and providing the support to ensuring productivity. "The year 2005-2006 should...signal a movement to the next plateau of development, lifting us beyond the millennium development goals and our own projections over the next ten years," he told the House.
TO CONSOLIDATE GAINS
"The focus will be on consolidating our gains and protecting them to ensure that progress continues," the Governor-General argued.
Government, he said, will do this by advancing human and social development programmes; improving governance and public accountability; creating a safer and more secure country; and accelerating equitable and sustainable economic growth.
Sir Howard said that in keeping with the balancing of the budget, the government would begin implementation of recommendations from the Joseph M. Matalon-chaired Tax Policy Review Committee.
"Steps are already under way to improve taxpayer services," he said, adding: "These will continue into the new fiscal year, by allowing third party collection agencies to collect revenue on behalf of the government and by allowing Internet-accessible payment for those clients who wish to use them."
To improve governance and strengthen accountability, the government will continue with its modernisation efforts to ensure greater value for money and make services provided by the public sector.
