NASSAU, BAHAMAS- The Organization for Responsible Governance (ORG) has released a comprehensive benchmarking report analyzing the Independent Commission of Investigations Bill, 2025.
The report offers an assessment of the Bill’s alignment with global best practices, highlights significant improvements over the 2024 Bill, and provides concrete recommendations to strengthen its provisions further.
The 2025 Bill aims to establish an independent body, the Independent Commission of Investigations (ICI), empowered to investigate allegations of serious criminal activity by members of the security forces and public officials. ORG’s analysis finds that the Bill represents a substantial step forward in promoting transparency and accountability within the public sector; however, there remain opportunities to enhance its efficacy and impact.
The report recommends that the Commission’s annual budget be approved by Parliament, rather than solely by the Minister of Finance, to reinforce its autonomy and shield it from potential political influence. This measure would ensure greater transparency and accountability in the Commission’s funding. It also highlights the need for explicit and robust whistleblower protections to safeguard individuals reporting wrongdoing in good faith from retaliation, disciplinary action, dismissal, or legal repercussions.
To foster a culture of openness and public trust, the report suggests that the Commission digitally publish redacted versions of its final investigation reports on an official website. The Commission could also provide quarterly updates on major investigations and systemic issues. This would allow the public greater access to the Commission’s findings while still protecting confidential sources and national security concerns.
ORG also recommends that government agencies and security forces be required to track and formally respond to the outcomes of the Commission’s recommendations within a specified timeframe. To promote inclusivity and public participation, the report suggests the establishment of an advisory board comprising representatives from civil society, academia, and the private sector. This board would provide valuable insights and recommendations to the Commission on corruption trends and preventive measures. Additionally, the appointment process for Commission leadership could be more transparent and merit-based through input from a wide range of stakeholders.
To ensure efficiency, ORG suggests incorporating specific deadlines for completing investigations in the Bill. These deadlines could be extended with proper justification, ensuring timely and effective investigations. To further strengthen the prosecutorial process, the report recommends that the Commission have the capacity to recommend the establishment of an independent unit within the Director of Public Prosecutions’ office specifically for handling politically sensitive corruption-related cases. This could minimize the potential for political interference or undue influence in the prosecution of such cases.
