NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Efforts toward implementation of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) are ongoing, according to government Press Secretary Clint Watson, who insisted that the government has the political will to fully enact legislation.
Although no timeline was given, Watson assured the press at the Office of the Prime Minister Press briefing on Thursday morning that it is something that the government is committed to.
“It is being implemented […] training is underway in the government agencies right now as we speak, so it is in the process of being launched its not just sitting on a shelf,” Watson said.
Implementation of the FOIA has been promised by successive administrations.
When questioned on the government’s level of commitment to the matter, Watson said that there is a strong willpower from this administration to establish FOIA.
“The process is taking place, training is taking place; the first stage is being launched, yes there is will power to it,” Watson said.
“It was something the Prime Minister said when I spoke with him this morning, he has the willpower to see it fully implemented.”
However, Watson said he could not say for certain whether or not the entire process would be completed before the end of this term.
“I can’t say,” he continued.
“I’m happy that he has said there is willpower, there is the political will to see it happen we’ve seen the first stage now being implemented so that means it’s on its way. If you’re training people in various agencies on being able to handle the Freedom of Information Act, and it’s in the first stage, it’s already been launched, so that means it’s happening.
“And I think we will hear pretty soon when we can begin to see a manifestation of that actually happening,” Watson said.
Watson added that there are stages to the implementation before it can be officially complete; however, the process has already started.
“This administration is actually beginning to bring freedom of information into play by training the agencies, have identified the agencies, training them and launching it into the government sector so it’s beginning,” he said.
