The recently released Speech From The Throne from the newly elected Free National Movement (FNM) government provides much food for thought.

It reads like a veritable smorgasbord for over zealous legislators! Or law makers on methamphetamine (speed) if you will.

There are no less than 25 pieces of proposed legislation outlined, while on the other hand, there is little to no discussion about removing old laws, that are not enforced.

In addition, there are numerous initiatives – pork – outlined for tax give-aways.

While some laws are necessary, and indigent people need help, this seems over the top.

Even bearing in mind that the Speech from the Throne for a newly elected government is an exciting time for them, it behoves them to constrain their emotions as it is better to under promise and over deliver, than the other way around.

Having said all that, there are a couple things that it was important for them to include. And they are:

1. The enactment of a freedom of information act, and
2. Legislation fro the enactment of a code of ethics for Ministers, (this should include all Parliamentarians, not only Ministers) and the creation of the office of Ombudsman.

Could it be the phenomenon I refer to as Lowe’s Law: Politician’s spend their careers making laws to keep everyone else accountable and make the average citizen and business play “fair”, yet, they refuse to hold themselves to the same standards is finally coming to an end?

I will believe it when I see it.

In closing, I must congratulate the FNM on having the initiative to announce they would attempt to legislate the conduct of Parliamentarians. That’s half the battle.