The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

The Organisation for Responsible Governance (ORG) is committed to advancing the principles of transparent governance and accountability in The Bahamas. The recent spotlight on relationships between government officials and private individuals emphasises the importance of well-defined and consistently applied governance systems. This is crucial to identify and prevent potential conflicts of interest or public misconceptions, and we wish to provide a general perspective on the systems and structures of governance.

At the core of any democratic society lies the critical need for transparent and accountable governance. Transparency ensures that the actions and decisions of government officials are open to scrutiny and that citizens have access to information on how and why the government makes decisions. The benefit of this is greater trust between the government and its citizens. Fair mechanisms for accountability are also valuable as they ensure public officials and civil servants will be responsible for their actions and decisions and furthers citizen participation if they see that the public interests are held as priority in governance.

In the domain of governance, it is crucial to acknowledge that regular interactions between the public and private sectors, involving government officials and individuals from the private sector, are common. These interactions may take the form of consultations, meetings, or dialogues, typically centred on shared interests. Unique challenges arise in countries with small populations and strong family ties, like the Bahamas, when it comes to ensuring successful navigation of potential conflicts of interest in these engagements.

To address this, proactive transparency regarding the purpose and outcomes of these interactions can offer clarity, mitigating the potential for prolonged political debates. This, in turn, fosters public confidence in the integrity of our governance systems. Greater public confidence yields increased compliance with and adherence to laws, enhanced social and economic investments, and a more conducive environment for sustainable national development.

To ensure our nation’s sustainable growth, it’s imperative that government officials and public servants maintain the highest ethical standards in their actions and communications. To support this, The Bahamas has established a framework of laws and regulations, encompassing the Constitution, General Orders, the Prevention of Bribery Acts, Public Disclosure Act, Freedom of Information Act, Public Procurement Act, and ethical codes of conduct. These legal instruments were all developed to define the standards and expectations governing the interactions between government and the private sector, ultimately serving the public interest. Robust and functional systems for declaring conflicts of interest, disclosing financial interests, and ensuring transparency in government dealings help mitigate potential concerns related to public-private engagements. Hence, strict adherence to these policies is essential to managing potential conflicts of interest, reducing the back and forth of political rhetoric and reassuring the public on government decision making and spending.

Furthermore, both of the last two administrations have proposed additional legislative measures aimed at fostering greater integrity and public trust within the government. These proposals include the creation of an Integrity Council, the appointment of an Ombudsman, the implementation of whistleblower protection laws, a statutory code of conduct, and the enhancement of the Public Disclosure Act. However, the application of current regulations has been inconsistent across successive administrations, and the advancement or enactment of new policies has been slow. This lack of priority has a consequence, impacting their effectiveness in achieving their intended objectives and increasing public scepticism in the systems.

As we navigate complex governance issues, it is crucial for all stakeholders to maintain a focus on the broader goals of enhancing transparency, accountability, and public trust. ORG’s mission is to empower citizens with knowledge and encourage active participation in the democratic process. We encourage citizens to build their understanding and involvement with the current mechanisms for integrity to determine how well they are being used to meet the interest of our communities.

We firmly believe that well-informed and actively involved citizens can significantly contribute to nurturing constructive dialogues, championing transparency, and encouraging public participation in governance affairs. Equipping citizens with information, through accessible and available tools and resources, empower them to critically assess circumstances as they arise and express their opinion, whether it be dissent or support, to those that have been duly elected to represent their interests. This informed dialogue is the most effective and sustainable way to ensure accountability in governance.

Advocating for better governance practices benefits our nation as a whole. When citizens and business owners believe that systems are fair, equitable and accountable, the result is more trust in governance, increased local and international investment, and greater compliance with laws and taxes. For these reasons, ORG remains committed to working collaboratively with government, civil society, and the private sector to strengthen our governance systems for the benefit of all Bahamians.

In conclusion, ORG’s stance on governance is rooted in the belief that an informed and engaged citizenry, along with transparent and accountable governance structures, are fundamental to a thriving democracy. Both are vitally necessary to reap the benefits for our nation. We will continue to advocate for these principles and collaborate with all stakeholders to promote a better Bahamas.

Visit our website to find out how you can get informed and get involved with ORG in the journey to strengthen governance for a brighter future.

Organisation for Responsible Governance

November 13, 2023.