NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Organization for Responsible Governance (ORG) yesterday renewed its advocacy for a standardized public consultation process amid ongoing unrest between the Bahamas Pharmaceutical Association and the Government.
“Over the past five years, ORG has and continues to advocate for a standardized consultation process that allows for proactive opportunities for stakeholder input and engagement,” read a statement.
“As outlined in ORG’s position paper, public consultation goes beyond notification of the public of policy changes. Instead, it facilitates essential two-way communication through which opinions and expertise may be shared, problems identified, and proposals evaluated.”
“The goal of public consultation is to collect meaningful information and feedback for use in the development of a higher quality policy that sustainably benefits our citizenry. Public consultation increases transparency, access, and buy-in from stakeholders and helps to identify unanticipated consequences. As can be seen in our current situation, lack of proactive stakeholder consultation can have negative impacts on those most in need.”
The statement added: “In short, we must include the people working within these sectors to mitigate the long-lasting effects they create.”
ORG pointed to its website for more information on how the public can “Get informed and Get Involved” in improving public consultation in The Bahamas.
