The Tribune

By AVA TURNQUEST

Tribune Chief Reporter

aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

ON THE defensive over the much-anticipated Freedom of Information Act, Prime Minister Perry Christie yesterday called criticism over his administration’s lengthy track to tabling the legislation unfair.

Mr Christie noted that “final discussions” on the draft bill had been completed on Tuesday as he pushed back against ridicule from Free National Movement members over the bill’s stalled pace.

The government has often pointed to the extensive consultation process as the major factor on the timeliness of tabling the legislation, however Minister of Education Jerome Fitzgerald yesterday revealed that public participation was largely “disappointing”.

“The committee and I were very disappointed by the lack of involvement and response from the public with regard to the FOIA bill,” Mr Fitzgerald told the House of Assembly, “disappointed, the meetings were not well attended at all”.

Mr Fitzgerald, the minister responsible for the legislation, also noted that online participation was also low, but went on to exalt the process.

“We live in a democracy where people want to have more input on governance and how the country operates,” he said, “on the one hand that is very positive, but you cannot rush it. If you want me to bring a bill I could bring one within a couple months. I can tell you that having gone through the consultative process and all the bench markers it would not have been as strong a bill as it is now, nor would it have the level of support that it has from those involved in the process.

“As a minister and government we have intentionally ensured that we did not get involved in the process apart from ensuring at the end of the day it was something that was workable. So, yes, I wish it was sooner, we all do, but I can tell you one thing, there will not be an argument or criticism that we did not do it the right way.”

Mr Fitzgerald said: “We all wish it was sooner but it’s a process, but as opposed to the bill they (the FNM) put in place, it took us after considering that and the committee a year and a half just to make the recommendations for the changes. Then it took another year and a half to two years to consult widely, that’s just the nature of it. These are Bahamians who are doing it not us.”

Montagu MP Richard Lightbourn called the lengthy timeline, and the government’s justification, “appalling” during debate on a compendium of bills related to the financial services sector.

Mr Lightbourn said: “I appreciate the prime minister’s intervention but what concerns me is that the member for Centreville could feel that it’s acceptable to wait four and one half years to introduce the bill, and now suggest that the delay is because one is incubating it and allowing all sections of the public to comment on it. Four and a half years? No wonder nothing is done in this country, four and one half years and they’re still dealing with it.”