FNM Predicts No Freedom Of Information Until Next Election

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – A grim prediction from Free National Movement Chairman Dr. Duane Sands comes one day after Prime Minister Philip Davis told reporters, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) isn’t a top priority right now.

Communications Director in the Office of the Prime Minister Latrae Rahming clarified Davis’ comments saying it wasn’t his intent to diminish the importance of FOIA.

According to Rahming, if the government has 10 priorities, FOIA would be number seven.

On Tuesday, Davis said his priority is on addressing the cost-of-living crisis which requires urgent attention 

Sands says Davis’ response was a moment of peculiar clarity. He was asked about the full enactment of FOIA.

On Sunday, Information Commissioner Keith Thompson said his office is awaiting regulations and the technology that is needed to facilitate requests for information from the public.

The last Ingraham administration passed a FOIA shortly before the 2012 General Election but gave no date for enactment.

Five years later, the Christie administration passed a revamped version in February 2017. However, the administration did not fully implement it.

FOIA was also a promise made under the former administration but never came to fruition. We put the matter to Sands.