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Why strengthening the Freedom of Information Act is so important
PRESIDENT Obama has routinely promised greater transparency within the federal government. Now, Congress is making strides towards achieving this critical goal.
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Realtors in Gov't 'site inspection'
In a site inspection that was anything but routine, a Bahamian real estate company’s staff toured the Bahamas.gov.bs website through a presentation by the Department of Information Technology.
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Importance of freedom of information stressed during radio show
LEADING authorities on Freedom of Information (FOI) legislation were guests on radio talk show ‘Voice of the Bays’ last week to stress the role the law plays in the democratic process as the clock winds down to the July 15 deadline for public consultation.
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YOUR SAY: An Act to give power to the people and keep government honest
THE Organization for Responsible Governance (ORG), a non-profit, non-partisan foundation that advocates for open, accountable and responsible governance, in tandem with a coalition of other civil society and private industry groups, is continuing to urge the swift passage of a “true” Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) as the date for the final version of the bill to be introduced to Parliament nears.
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Freedom of Information Bill ‘a missed opportunity’
IN spite of the government’s highly touted consultation process for its Freedom of Information Bill, more than 20 civil society organisations have declared the document tabled in the House of Assembly last week a “missed opportunity”.
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EDITORIAL: No priority for Freedom of Information
SO it turns out that Freedom of Information is not one of Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis’ top priorities. Forgive us if we are not shocked.
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Freedom of information needs the right choice
LAST October, the government introduced an historic Freedom of Information law to Parliament - fulfilling a key election pledge. This law is expected to be debated in the next few days. Some have called the proposed legislation weak, arguing that it defer
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DNA releases draft version of Freedom of Information Act
THE Democratic National Alliance yesterday released the party’s draft version of a Freedom of Information Act, with Deputy Leader Christopher Mortimer daring the Christie administration muster up the courage to “do what is right for the Bahamian people.”
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DPM acknowledges tax exchange 'fall-out'
The Bahamas has no choice but to comply with international tax information exchange standards if it is to avoid ‘blacklistings’ and other negative impacts for the financial services sector.K P Turnquest, the Deputy Prime Minister, told a Securities C
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Freedom of Information legislation ‘not a quick process’
THE implementation of the government’s Freedom of Information legislation will “not be a quick process,” State Minister of Legal Affairs Damian Gomez said yesterday, adding that the government anticipates incurring “significant costs” to implement it.
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Commissioner ‘a major step forward’
THE Organization for Responsible Governance has described the appointments of the nation’s first freedom of information commissioner and deputy commissioner as a “major step forward” but noted there is still much more work to be done.
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Freedom of Information Bill will need update to data protection laws
DATA protection legislation must be updated if the newly released draft Freedom of Information Bill is implemented in its current form, according to acting Data Commissioner Sharmie Farrington-Austin.
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MARKETING REVOLUTION: Giving 'what', not 'how' can create big pay-off
I do not follow the motto that “you get what you pay for”. I think one of the problems that many businesses face is that they charge before they give value. For example, I am in the consulting business. One of the best things about writing this column is when people stop me and ask me for advice on business or marketing, or an idea that they have. I view this as a great opportunity for themselves and me.
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Organisations call for implementation of Freedom of Information Act in full
A GROUP of civil society organisations (CSOs) and private industry groups is pressing the new administration to highlight the amendment and full enactment of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
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Pintard says Mitchell’s comments let ‘the cat out of the bag’ on govt view of FOIA
FREE National Movement leader Michael Pintard said Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell’s dismissive comments about the Freedom of Information Act are “incredibly sad” and let “the cat out of the bag” about how the Davis administration feels about a system whose implementation has been slow for more than a decade.
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Deal done with churches on reporting of finances
THE government and the Bahamas Christian Council have resolved a dispute over a requirement that some churches submit their financial information to the Registrar General’s Department in accordance with non-profit organisation regulations, BCC Presid
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Papers, please
Suggestion: A combination card that holds three sets of information of each Canadian Citizen:
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ORG calls for swift action on implementation of the Freedom of Information Act
THE Organisation for Responsible Governance (ORG) wants swift action on implementing the Freedom of Information Act, calling it a critical tool.
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Bahamas must ‘get across line’ on tax automatic exchange
THE Government has been urged to “get across the line before year-end” on global tax information exchange standards, amid hope the relevant legislation will reach Parliament tomorrow.
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Davis tries to explain Mitchell comments – but recording doesn’t match
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis explained Fred Mitchell’s dismissive comments about the Freedom of Information Act yesterday in a way that does not reflect what the foreign affairs minister told reporters.
