National

ORG: Prime Minister’s Comments Not Too Surprising

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The prime minister’s recent comments about the rollout of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) didn’t come as too much of a surprise to the Organisation of Responsible Governance (ORG).

Published

12 months ago

January 4, 2024

Berthony McDermott

On Tuesday the prime minister told reporters the FOIA wasn’t a top priority for his administration.

In fact, Executive Director Matt Aubry says it was clear from the recent budget allocations.

Aubry reasons that the rollout of FOIA will bring social and economic benefits that support the day-to-day quality of life.

The prime minister said his priority is addressing the cost of living crisis which requires urgent attention.

Communications Director in the Office of the Prime Minister Latrae Rahming later said if the government has 10 priorities, FOIA would be number seven.

Aubry believes public access to information causes government to be more careful with governance.

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 who said this.

When asked if ORG believes it should be higher on the government’s agenda, Aurby said the decision is up to the Bahamian people.