ORG Calls for Attention to Mechanisms for Transparency and Accountability in the 2023/24 Budget
The Organization for Responsible Governance (ORG), expresses concern over the amount of funding allocated in 2023-2024 draft national annual budget of the Government of The Bahamas toward national programmes and mechanisms that enhance transparency and accountability. The level of allocation do not seem to align with the key policy outcomes outlined in the government’s “Blueprint for Change” manifesto.
Of particular concern is the proposed funding for the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) unit, which remains stagnant at $140,000. Despite promises made over the past two years to bring FOIA into effect in ten government agencies, the unit acknowledges that they are currently underfunded to fulfill their mandate of granting citizens access to government-held information, as established by the FOIA passed seven years ago.
Furthermore, ORG notes the absence of funding for an Ombudsman, despite promises to debate and pass an Ombudsman Act. Additionally, the allocation of $80,000 for the Public Disclosures Commision seems insufficient especially considering a government committment to a revised Public Disclosures Act, which can improve compliance and transparency in the disclosures process. This need for meaningful reform in this area is underscored by the outstanding disclosures of Public Officials that continue to be a pressing issue.
ORG further highlights a concerning disparity in the budget allocation for the Tax Appeal Commission, given the government’s heavy reliance on reclaiming due taxes and implementing new fees and levies as part of their revenue strategy. This can be expected to result in a significant surge in appeals. However, against ORG’s offered recommendations, the 2023 Public Finance Management Act eliminated an independent Procurement Board, which was build transparency and confidence by receiving and adjudicating vendor concerns related to government contracts. Instead, these cases will now be brought to the Tax Appeal Commission. The rationale behind this decision was to save costs by eliminating an additional board. Nevertheless, the current allocated funding appears insufficient to support the necessary training and public education required for the expanded scope and role of the Tax Appeal Commission.
In the face of reduced mechanisms for transparency and accountability in the revamped Procurement and Public Financial Acts, ORG emphasizes the critical need for strong and well-funded independent mechanisms for oversight and accountability. Without adequate funding and support, these vital pillars of good governance will be compromised, hindering the progress of The Bahamas towards greater social and economic opportunity for all.
ORG urges citizens to appeal to the the Government of The Bahamas to reevaluate the budget allocations and prioritize the funding of transparency and accountability mechanisms, including the FOIA unit, an Ombudsman, and the Tax Appeal Commission/ Procurement Board. When the government upholds its commitment to transparency and accountability it ensures responsible governance and the interests of its citizens.