The Tribune

By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

PARLIAMENTARIANS last night passed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Bill, that will for the first time create a foreign service as a separate part of the public service.

It is proposed that the Bill and the orders will come into effect on December 15 at a cost of around $2m, which Fox Hill MP Fred Mitchell said has already been budgeted.

Mr Mitchell, who is also foreign affairs and immigration minister, said the legislation was another step for the government that seeks to revolutionise relations between the Bahamas and neighbouring countries.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Bill will enable the continuation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the ministry as a sole corporation.

It will further establish a Department of Foreign Affairs and appoint a director general.

Mr Mitchell said: “So today we are seeking to pass this Bill to create a foreign service for the first time as a discreet part of the public service with its own rules, promotion procedures and governance and the allowances and benefit to which diplomats are entitled when they serve overseas or at home. It creates some landmarks.

“The Foreign Service in clause six is a disciplined force and therefore is not subject to the structures of the labour laws of the country as it relates to industrial action.

“It creates a Department of Foreign Affairs for the first time in clause seven and the Office of Director General.

“It establishes in clause 10 a Foreign Service Committee which is to advise the permanent secretary and the prime minister and the Public Service Commission on grievances, disciplinary actions, and the appeals process in relation to an appointment and review remuneration and allowances.”

However, Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner questioned whether the Bill would give the current minister the grounds to “reign supreme” in his ministry.

She said: “Is this entire exercise intended mostly to boost the power of one man? While many elements of this legislation may be useful, I do not trust handing additional powers to this foreign minister, especially with little oversight or seeming interest in foreign policy by the prime minister, who admitted in his last term that he basically allowed the foreign minister to do as he pleases.”

The Bill is expected to move on to the Senate for further debate and passing.