The Tribune

By YOURI KEMP

Tribune Business Reporter

ykemp@tribunemedia.net

The deputy prime minister says the Davis administration condemns corruption on all its forms, adding: “It makes us weaker as a society”.

Pledging that the Government will enact several measures to tackle graft head-on, Chester Cooper, also minister for tourism, investments and aviation, said: “We condemn corruption. It makes us weaker; it makes us more vulnerable to shocks. It makes us more vulnerable to hits on our reputation by the international community. It makes us weaker as a society.”

“There are issues that plague countries around the world, big and small, and we must work together doing all that we can to end corruption in all forms throughout our country.”

Speaking at a conference held by the Organisation for Responsible Governance (ORG), Mr Cooper added: “Firstly, there must be improved accountability by changing the way we govern and manage finances... how taxpayer money is spent, how we account for procurement on goods and services, how we manage new hires and how civil servants are rewarded.

“I am pleased to say that this government is committed to strict observance of an enhancement to the Public Disclosure Act, which is built on the principles of accountability and transparency. We also intend to fully implement the Procurement Act, which facilitates an open online platform for bids, and allows all persons registered on the electronic procurement and suppliers registry to be notified of all government tenders and entities seeking to acquire specific goods and service. The facilitation of an open platform will also help to curtail corruption in the award of contracts.”

Mr Cooper continued: “The second element required for good governance involves providing citizens with access to information. Decentralisation of government to local governments and communities is consistent or vital with allowing more citizens to engage in the decision-making process and the deepening of our democracy.

“Our government has also pledged to advance the implementation of the Freedom of Information Act, where we create an atmosphere of access to information where it is needed, unless that information is restricted by specific rules.

“We will ensure the eventual full implementation of the FOIA, which was advanced by a previous Progressive Liberal Party administration, and supported by the previous administration. We will advance this. It has been a lot of talk for too long, and I will tell you that our administration is committed to advancing it to fruition.”

Acknowledging that “we have lots more work to do” to bolster accountability and transparency, improve good governance and crack down on corruption, Mr Cooper said: “It is the goal of my ministry to push to improve the efficiency of processes for both foreign and domestic investments by eliminating unnecessary red tape avenues to engender a culture of transparency, a culture of change for economic growth.

“As we enhance the ease of doing business, in The Bahamas we are looking for quality and sustainable investments. We are looking for investors who meet the fit and proper test, for this government of transparency is committed to political reforms with a legislative agenda that includes the full implementation of campaign finance reforms.”