The Tribune

By AVA TURNQUEST

Tribune Chief Reporter

aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

IN spite of the government’s highly touted consultation process for its Freedom of Information Bill, more than 20 civil society organisations have declared the document tabled in the House of Assembly last week a “missed opportunity”.

In a joint statement, the groups noted that while the government adopted several suggestions collected during public consultation earlier in the year, it abstained from taking on any of the major concerns raised by civil society.

Three main areas that the group found the bill was still lacking included: the selection process of the information commissioner, the scope of public authorities subject to the bill, and the long time limits for making information accessible.

Lemarque Campbell, chairman of Citizens for a Better Bahamas, said: “Currently, the bill states that the information commissioner will be appointed by the governor general upon the recommendation of the prime minister after consultation with the leader of the opposition.

“To maintain impartiality,” he continued, “the information commissioner should be selected through measures independent of the government, such as a Judicial Services Committee or a Parliament select committee with representation from the opposition.

“Additionally, civil society should be included in the process either through membership on the select committee or the publication of a short-list of candidates and public feedback on the same.

“As the person ultimately responsible for what public information we the people have access to and how, it is crucial that this position be immune to political bias of any kind,” he continued.

Education Minister Jerome Fitzgerald tabled the long-awaited Freedom of Information Bill on December 14 after numerous delays and just five months ahead of the next election.

However, Mr Fitzgerald expressed “disappointment” in the lack of public involvement in drafting this legislation.

The previous Ingraham administration passed a Freedom of Information Act shortly before the 2012 general election, however there was no date for enactment.

The incoming Christie administration said the legislation needed to be overhauled.

The bill will grant the public the right of access to records held by public authorities, subject to exemptions, which balance to the right of access against the non-disclosure of government or commercial information where non disclosure is in the public interest. It aims to create transparency and accountability at the government level.

It is unclear when debate will begin on the legislation.

Yesterday, the CSO collective urged Bahamians and residents to get informed and pressure their MPs to advocate for more amendments when the bill is debated.

Matt Aubry, executive director of the Organisation for Responsible Governance, said: “Our neighbours in Jamaica, The Cayman Islands and Trinidad & Tobago have all enacted FOIAs. The Bahamas needs to catch up.”

“A ‘true’ FOIA will benefit and protect citizens, residents, private businesses, civil society organisations, and ultimately, our country. It will give us the right to important information about our country and give us the power to expose misconduct.

“We must all work together for a bill that better reflects the accountability and transparency we want for the Bahamas.”

The CSO collective includes: Citizens for a Better Bahamas, Our Carmichael, The Organisation for Responsible Governance, We The People, Save The Bays, The Abaco Chamber of Commerce, The Nassau Institute, reEarth, HeadKnowles Foundation, Grand Bahama Human Rights Association, Waterkeepers Bahamas, The Bahamas Press Club, The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers’ Confederation, It’s Our Turn, Young Marine Explorers, Civil Society Bahamas, The Bahamas Retailers Federation, The Coalition to Save Clifton, Rise Bahamas, Citizens for Justice and BREEF.