he first parliamentary session of the eighth Grenada House of Representatives opened on Tuesday evening with a ceremonial parade, and the traditional Throne Speech delivered by Governor General Sir Daniel Williams. The Governor General announced that the government will set up an Integrity Commission to ensure integrity in public life. The Commission, he said, will obtain declaration of the assets and liabilities and income of persons in public life. He also said a Public Procurement Authority will be established to regulate public procurement and practices in the Public Service. In a move to prevent corruption, the Governor General also announced the establishment of an Investment Policy Review Committee to look at investment proposals (local and foreign) before they are considered by Cabinet, as well as a National Economic Council to advise the Government on macro-economic policies and other major issues. Sir Daniel also announced the appointment of an Ombudsman, who will have the power to investigate the administrative actions taken by on behalf of Government and other public authorities, including statutory corporations. He also said that the government will concentrate on good governance, reducing the cost of living and stronger economic management. The new Prime Minister, Tillman Thomas, outlined new initiatives for his government including health, energy, culture, and sport. At the first session, Joan Purcell was elected President of the House of Representatives and Chester Humphrey as Deputy President. They were both unopposed. George McQuire was elected unopposed as Speaker of the House, with Roland Bhola as Deputy Speaker. Reprinted from Caribbean Net News caribbeannetnews.com