NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Organization for Responsible Governance (ORG) has expressed support for the government’s efforts to enhance transparency and accountability through new legislation, such as the Independent Commission of Investigations Bill and whistleblower protection, while emphasizing the need for broad stakeholder consultation, sufficient funding, and robust anti-corruption measures to ensure meaningful impact.
During his remarks at the opening of the legal year, Attorney General Ryan Pinder assured that the government takes all allegations of corruption, both domestically and internationally, seriously—whether those allegations involve the armed forces or any other government agency or official.
“We have worked to introduce legislation that will address the people’s concerns with transparency and authority. The Independent Commission of Investigations Bill has been released for consultation, and we have taken note of the feedback given. We will proceed with this legislation in Parliament,” said Pinder.
He continued: “We will bring legislation to establish a whistleblower protection framework. Whistleblowers are critical to the fight against corruption. Not only do they safeguard and sometimes help recover misused public funds, but they also contribute to bringing about policy reforms. Their actions raise awareness and help establish a public accountability and integrity culture.”
Pinder also highlighted that the Ombudsman Act, 2024 was enacted to establish the Office of the Ombudsman, which will ensure that public officers act in accordance with their mandate and comply with fundamental freedoms and human rights. The Attorney General stated that the government intends to bring this Act into force in the coming weeks.
In response, ORG said in a statement that the introduction of the Independent Commission of Investigations Bill, the enactment of the Ombudsman Act, and plans to establish a whistleblower protection framework would represent progress toward transparency and accountability. ORG noted that these efforts align with principles the organization has long advocated, underscoring the importance of good governance for the nation’s development and reputation.
“As these laws and mechanisms are developed, we urge the government to embrace broad and inclusive stakeholder consultation. Engaging diverse perspectives—particularly from civil society and the private sector—ensures that policies are both effective and responsive to the needs of the people. Furthermore, the enactment of such legislation must be accompanied by robust funding and resourcing. Without sufficient budgetary allocations, these critical tools risk falling short of their intended impact,” ORG stated.
ORG added: “These initiatives also highlight the pressing need for a comprehensive, cross-sectoral approach to anti-corruption. ORG’s National Anti-Corruption Framework proposes a ‘whole-of-society’ strategy that leverages laws like these alongside practical efforts to build a culture of integrity in governance. A sustainable fight against corruption requires not only reactive measures to address breaches but also proactive mechanisms that limit opportunities for misconduct. In this regard, we encourage the government to prioritize legislation that advances preventative safeguards, such as the full enactment and funding of the Freedom of Information Act, the Public Procurement Act, and the revision of the Public Disclosures Act. Additionally, introducing campaign finance laws and an Integrity Commission with a wider mandate to identify risk areas and educate stakeholders would represent transformational reforms. Such systems would not only deter corruption but also incentivize ethical behavior across all levels of governance.”
ORG concluded by reaffirming its readiness to collaborate with the government, civil society, and other stakeholders to ensure that these mechanisms are effectively consulted on and implemented.
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