The Tribune

AS The Bahamas moves towards the establishment of a Freedom of Information Act, Education Minister Jerome Fitzgerald said it is “critically” important that the role of the Data Protection Act and its relationship to the Freedom of Information Act are also given similar attention.

Mr Fitzgerald spoke at the third annual National Data Protection Symposium at the Melià Nassau Beach Resort on Friday.

Prime Minister Perry Christie and Minister of State for Finance Michael Halkitis also participated in the opening ceremony.

Mr Fitzgerald, who has responsibility for FOI legislation, said he is aware of the role education will play in ensuring that citizens understand the importance and functionality of the Freedom of Information and the Data Protection Acts.

Moreover, he said, “we must make certain that there is an appreciation of how these two Acts complement each other”.

Mr Fitzgerald said in the Bahamas, the lines of an individual’s public persona and their personal life are often “blurred”.

“Given our culture, there is sometimes a misunderstanding of what should and shouldn’t be allowed to enter the public domain. Many people often lament the fact that confidentiality seems to be non-existent regarding certain individuals and circumstances,” he said.

“The Data Protection Act will ensure the protection of personal data. It is designed ‘to protect people’s fundamental rights and freedoms and in particular their right to privacy with respect to the processing and access of personal data.’”

He said the Ministry of Education and the Office of the Attorney General are working to ensure that the Freedom of Information Bill is comprehensive and aligns with global standards before it is enacted.

A FOIA was passed in Parliament in early 2012, during the Ingraham administration, however there was no enforcement date for that legislation. The Christie administration has created a revised FOI bill, which is still in draft form. It is unclear when this legislation will be implemented.