The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

It is “critical” that the nw government follow through on its transparency and anti-corruption reform pledges, Transparency International’s Bahamas representative said yesterday, arguing that achieving these objectives will eventually cut the fiscal deficit.

Lemarque Campbell, of Citizens for a Better Bahamas (CBB),  told Tribune Business: “Allegations of corruption within the previous administration played a major part in the outcome of the election.

“Given this, it is very critical for the incoming administration to follow through on its pledges for transparency and anti-corruption reform. The Government needs to be proactive in releasing information to the public. The election has proven that the citizens are now demanding for a more open government.”

The 2017 general election saw the Free National Movement (FNM) secure a landslide victory, winning 35 out of the 39 constituencies. “Not only has corruption been a societal ill plaguing this country for decades, but it also has a detrimental effect on our economy,” added Mr Campbell.

“To be quite frank, there should be no reason why government departments and ministries cannot account for millions of dollars that go missing. The formula is quite simple; mitigate corruption and in turn we shall eventually see a decrease in the fiscal deficit.”

Mr Campbell continued: “This administration must ensure that they enact the necessary legislation to facilitate this transition towards an open government. In doing so, we need a strong Freedom of Information Act, one that is not only passed but actually enacted and enforced; a transparent public procurement process, to ensure a level playing field for investors competing for government contracts; whistleblower protection, to provide civil servants with a safe avenue to report corrupt practices within the various government ministries and departments; and political campaign finance reform, to regulate contributions and spending during elections.”

Mr Campbell said that given the fact that the Bahamas has a very high Internet penetration, the Government should consider the use of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) in establishing the necessary anti-corruption reforms.

“For example, all government contracts that are put out to tender should be accessible for everyone to see via a centralised website, which includes the details of every company submitting a bid along with the terms of the proposed contract,” he added.