of Independence. Overall, the meetings were well attended but support for the island moving towards independence remained elusive. In late August 2006, speculation and discussion arose as to whether there was to be a leadership challenge at the upcoming Party Conference in light of the fact that it is an election year for all Party Officers. A leading contender was Tourism and Transport Minister Ewart F. Brown. It was also suggested another leading possible contestant was Finance Minister the Hon Paula Cox. On 13 October 2006, the rumours of an impending leadership contest were settled when Brown announced his resignation from the Cabinet and that he would contest the leadership of the party at the upcoming Delegates Conference. Brown also stated that if the party chose the current Party Leader, W. Alexander Scott over him, he would resign from politics at the next election. On 27 October 2006, Brown defeated Scott in an election for Party Leader and became the PLP's Leader and Premier of Bermuda. Newly appointed Premier Brown and his Cabinet moved quickly to engage the public on key issues, particularly Education, Health and social issues. The Throne Speech delivered 4 November 2006 pledges the Government would implement new, strong and significant programmes to address housing, education, healthcare, the quality of life for our youth and our elderly, alcohol and drug abuse, crime and race relations. Following through with a promise made during Dr. Brown's leadership campaign, it is announced in the Throne Speech, that the Medical Clinic (formerly known as the Indigent Clinic) will be closed. The position is taken that it undermines the patients' dignity being treated in this manner. Under the new plans, patients will have access to the same services as the general public with at least 30 private doctors. Some of the other initiatives that were highlighted in the 2006 Throne Speech are as follows: Establish a Ministry for Social Rehabilitation, focused on quickly implementing solutions to the challenges that exist in our community. Renew the Government commitment to producing 330 units in 30 months with 286 units under contract. Work with the private sector to generate progressive ways to finance new homes. Assemble the best legal and financial minds to determine how to renovate derelict homes for rent or ownership by deserving families. Introduce an income-based housing programme. Provide a zero rate of Customs Duty on imported materials for all proposals approved