NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Organization for Responsible Governance (ORG) is calling for changes to the proposed Freedom of Information Act regulations, warning that the final framework must allow ordinary Bahamians to access public information easily, affordably and confidently.
The non-profit organisation has welcomed the release of the regulations for public consultation, describing it as a step towards fully implementing the long-awaited transparency and accountability mechanism.
ORG has produced a benchmark report comparing the proposed Bahamian regulations with those in other Caribbean countries and jurisdictions. It has also developed a “Key Considerations Tool” to help members of the public review the draft regulations.
Both resources are available on the organisation’s website at orgbahamas.com/policyreviewcenter.
ORG Executive Director Matt Aubry said: “The purpose of the 2017 Freedom of Information Act is to reinforce governmental accountability, transparency and public participation. We’ve consistently advocated for full implementation, knowing it could help Bahamians better understand public decisions and participate in governance, strengthen media and civil society, improve the business environment, and build public trust. For ORG, the test of the effectiveness of these regulations is straightforward: will an ordinary person be able to use the system easily, affordably, and confidently, and will public authorities have the capacity and clear rules needed to respond consistently?”
In its benchmark report, ORG recommends six changes to the proposed regulations. These include simplifying access and reconsidering the blanket identification requirement; clarifying the public-interest test and decision-making process; introducing clearer provisions for fees, waivers and urgent requests; and strengthening proactive publication and disclosure.
The organisation is also calling for improved safeguards relating to records, statistics and applicant privacy, as well as adequate funding, trained personnel, public communication and independent oversight to support implementation.
“The regulations should not make access to information more complicated than the Act itself requires,” said Aubry. “The objective should be a system that assumes public disclosure is normal and withholding is the exception, while still protecting legitimate interests such as personal privacy, national security, commercial confidentiality, and other exemptions established by law.
“At the end of the day, ORG sees this as a favorable move towards fully implementing the Act, and supports building a system that is genuinely citizen-centered, accessible, and capable of delivering the intent of the Act.”
The recommendations follow ORG’s launch of its “Beyond the Polls” citizen participation campaign, which encourages Bahamians to remain consistently involved in democratic processes.
“This is exactly the kind of opportunity ‘Beyond the Polls’ supports,” said Ari Wells, ORG’s Senior Manager of Outreach. “We want Bahamians to feel empowered to get informed and get involved when chances like this arise, but we know it can be overwhelming. Resources like these give them easy, practical ways to participate.
“If we want to see real change when it comes to things like FOIA and accountability, we can’t neglect these opportunities to make our voices heard. Showing up at times like this matters. Read the regulations, participate in the consultation process, and if you’re not sure where to start, use the resources on our Policy Review Center.”
ORG’s benchmark report and Key Considerations Tool for the draft 2026 FOIA regulations are available through its online Policy Review Center.
