The Organization for Responsible Governance (ORG) was honored to participate in the Vision 2040 National Development Plan Workshop hosted by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) on August 16, 2024, at The Island House, New Providence. This critical event marked a significant step towards the revival and implementation of The Bahamas’ National Development Plan (NDP), bringing together key stakeholders from across various sectors to ideate and strategize on the country’s future.
The Vision 2040 National Development Plan, a collaborative initiative between the Government of The Bahamas and the IDB, seeks to provide a comprehensive roadmap for sustainable development in The Bahamas, focusing on four central pillars: the Economy, Governance, Social Policy, and the Environment. The workshop facilitated in-depth discussions and breakout sessions aimed at refining the plan’s objectives and identifying actionable steps for its successful execution.
Steffon Evans, Assistant Director at ORG, actively contributed to the Governance cluster discussions, which focused on ensuring that The Bahamas develops a modern, accountable, and service-oriented government that garners the trust of citizens and strengthens democratic institutions. The cluster, facilitated by experts from the IDB and other notable Bahamian thought leaders, examined the relevance of the goals outlined in the Governance pillar and discussed strategies to promote interagency collaboration and public engagement.
“We are pleased to have been part of this vital conversation on The Bahamas’ future,” said Evans. “ORG remains committed to advocating for transparent, accountable governance, which is essential for the successful implementation of the National Development Plan. Through our participation, we emphasized the need for strong public institutions, engaged citizens, and a fair administration of justice—key elements in driving sustainable development and fostering public trust.”
The workshop’s outcome will be compiled into a comprehensive rapporteur’s report by the University of The Bahamas’ Government & Public Policy Institute and the IDB Group. This report will be submitted to the National Development Plan Secretariat for further action.
ORG’s participation in the Vision 2040 National Development Plan Workshop is directly aligned with its core areas of focus: fostering accountability, enhancing transparency, and encouraging civic participation. These elements are critical in creating a “virtuous cycle” where good governance practices lead to more engaged citizens, which in turn strengthens public trust and institutional effectiveness. This cycle is fundamental to achieving sustainable social and economic development, as envisioned in the National Development Plan.
“Our participation in the Vision 2040 National Development Plan Workshop is a testament to ORG’s unwavering commitment to fostering a responsive governance framework that is transparent, accountable, and inclusive,” said Executive Director Matt Aubry.
“As we engage in these critical conversations about the future of The Bahamas, we are reminded of the importance of our collective efforts to build a virtuous cycle of good governance and civic participation. This plan represents an opportunity to shape a sustainable and prosperous future for all Bahamians, and ORG is proud to contribute to this national vision.”
ORG commends the work done thus far by the government’s National Development Plan Secretariat and the IDB and encourages further work to expand the public consultation to ensure that it reflects the interests and input of those most affected by the plan. ORG sees timely adoption of the National Development Plan as a key opportunity in building a governance framework that supports the continuous improvement of public services, enhances the rule of law, and fosters a thriving, democratic society.
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