The right to appeal High Court sentences will be one of the crucial issues to be dealt with in what promises to be a busy time for Parliament next year.

Legislation will also be brought to address children’s rights, an issue which has been spoken about with dissatisfaction in many quarters this year.{{more}}

When Governor-General Sir Frederick Ballantyne delivered his Throne Speech he said that Parliamentarians should not look forward to much rest or a break next year.

“There is a lot to do,” he said.

Also on the Order Paper for 2007 are bills that address trade unions, bankruptcy, tourism and the environment.

Sir Frederick also emphasized his government’s intention to continue to push for regional integration in the coming year.

He said that 2007 will see his government working hard towards the implementation of the CARICOM single economy in 2008.

While noting that the nation was small and had to deal with many challenges, Sir Frederick said that business men, sportsmen, and parents, especially mothers, continue to make a great contribution to the nation’s development.

Sir Frederick said that as a small country St Vincent and the Grenadines continues to make many socio-economic strides which augers will for the future.