NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Organization for Responsible Governance (ORG) is excited to announce the launch of Access Parliament, an online platform that offers Bahamians clear and concise information and tools to be informed and involved in the process and procedures of parliament.
Across the world, citizen awareness and involvement in parliamentary matters has been noted to bring more inclusive, accountable, and representative policymaking, a better analysis of potential impacts and a broader range of considerations during national development and builds trust and confidence of citizens in parliament.
ORG, with Access Parliament, aims to bring the Bahamian public closer to the actions of the legislative branch of governance by providing regular updates on parliamentary procedures, simplifying legislation and reporting on key activities that occur during Parliament.
This critical information will be shared via social media and a website. Access Parliament will also feature links to interactive tools such as live streams of parliamentary sessions, ORG’s Policy Review Center and a directory to contact current Members of Parliament and Senators.
The initiative was the brainchild of Tayte Adderly, ORG’s Freedom School Manager and a senior at the University of Bahamas. He developed the concept while completing his Public Administration Degree.
Tayte said: “Bahamians need to take more ownership of our civic processes, however, there are barriers that prevent us from doing so. People should know about what their government is doing on their behalf but, the current set-up of Parliament is not easy to understand or follow. Access Parliament is for everyone. Understandable language and clear information help all citizens to be a part of our democracy.“
ORG hopes the portal, found at www.accessparliament.org, will allow Bahamians to bridge gaps of knowledge they may have about how their parliament functions. ORG’s Executive Director, Matt Aubry, sees the project as a critical opportunity for greater involvement by Bahamians in the structures of governance.
“Not too many people have the time or opportunity to attend sessions of parliament,” he said.
“Access Parliament uses technology to make it easier and simpler for persons to follow the activities and decisions made on their behalf in The House of Assembly and The Senate.”
For Aubry, the drive to create the portal was clear, dubbing the project as ‘the place for everything Bahamian Parliament’; he encourages citizens to begin using the portal right away.
“The end goal for Access Parliament is to be a catalyst for people to get involved.”
Aubry said: “Access Parliament is an innovative program crafted by one of our young superstars to raise the local expectations of citizen involvement in governance to a more global standard.
“It stands as another powerful example of what is possible when youth are involved in driving change.”
You can find Access Parliament on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter by using the handle: @accessparl or visit the Access Parliament website at accessparliament.org
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