NASSAU, The Bahamas -- Legislation will be brought before Parliament in the New Session to make enforcement of various international obligations and domestic laws more vigorous and effective in order to further bolster the country’s environmental defences, Governor-General His Excellency Sir Arthur Foulkes said Wednesday.
Delivering the Speech From the Throne during the Opening of the New Session of Parliament held in Rawson Square, Nassau, Sir Arthur said legislation that will impose levies on the disposal of carbon-polluting items such as motor vehicles, tires, appliances and other items, is also on the agenda for the New Session.
Additionally, legislation for a Forestry Act, an amendment to the Bahamas National Trust Act and for a Protected Trust, which will support the protection and maintenance of the biodiversity within the Protected Area System of The Bahamas.
“My Government is pleased to have provided significant international and regional leadership with regard to environmental protection and climate change which threatens our way of life and our economic development,” Sir Arthur said.
Wednesday’s Opening of Parliament came one-month shy of the Government’s third year in office.
The Governor-General said the Government’s vision is built on the ideals of opportunity and responsibility, fairness and equality, accountability and transparency
Sir Arthur said the Government will continue to reform and modernize laws related to the country’s “most vulnerable citizens.”
“In this regard, legislation will be placed (before Parliament) to enact the Good Samaritan (Food Donation) Act,” Sir Arthur said.
“Legislation will be placed before you to enact the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities) Act,” Sir Arthur added.
Additional legislation to be brought before Parliament include a Bill to amend the Legal Profession Act to facilitate “more expeditious disciplining” of errant attorneys; an Animal Control and Protection Bill to improve protection and control of animals; legislation for a Small and Medium Size Business Development Act; legislation for a Contractors Act; legislation to amend the Road Traffic Act inclusive of the elimination of Act Insurance and its replacement by full, Third Party Insurance.
Also expected to be tabled include Legislation for a Bahamas Financial Services Authority; Legislation for a Securities Act and Legislation to repeal the Hotel Corporation Act.
