The Tribune

HUNDREDS are expected to fill Charlotte Street south Friday evening for a block party with live entertainment, food and beverages all aimed at building a growing groundswell of momentum demanding Freedom of Information legislation to be enacted.

“You always hear about a cause for celebration, this is a celebration for a cause,” said Lindsey McCoy, CEO of Save The Bays, which is organising the Freedom of Information street party set for 5-8pm.

Numerous organisations are joining the march for what has been called the basic tenet of any democracy – the public’s right to information, also known as transparency in government.

“We had a hugely successful turnout in March with union leaders, civic groups, clergy, celebrities and politicians who joined the growing cry for something that is a basic tenet of any democracy, a Freedom of Information Act, (FOIA)” said McCoy. “We expect an even larger crowd Friday night when we send a loud and clear message – it’s time to end secret deals and create legislation that guarantees citizens’ rights to information, including planned developments, that impact their lives.”

Headlining the block party will be KB and the Rhythm Band. Other entertainers are expected to take the stage at the event hosted by Van Breugel’s Restaurant & Bistro and co-sponsored by Sands, Bristol Wines and Spirits and John Watling’s Distillery.

The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers’ Confederation has also been a strong supporter of FOIA legislation.

“The momentum demanding passage of a Freedom of Information Act is gaining strength every week with more individuals and groups signing petitions, talking about transparency and urging legislation that will prevent all governments – not just this government, but all governments - from engaging in secret deals in which the very public being affected do not even have the right to participate in decision-making that will impact their lives,” said Joseph Darville, education director for Save The Bays.

Shortly before it left office in 2012, the Ingraham administration passed an FOIA however there was no enforcement date and the legislation was not enacted.

The Christie administration has said the current legislation needs to be overhauled. In September, minister responsible for the legislation Jerome Fitzgerald said the revised Act will not be presented to Parliament before spring 2016.