The Bahamas Government rolls out “ambitious” legislative agenda

Governor General His Excellency Sir Arthur Foulkes read the Speech From the Throne for the Opening of Parliament on Rawson Square, Wednesday, April 14, 2010. (BIS photo)

(Nassau, Bahamas - By BIS) -- The Government of The Bahamas rolled out what it termed an “ambitious” legislative agenda for the new Session of Parliament Wednesday (April 14, 2010) during the Speech from the Throne.

Among the many items to be placed on that agenda are plans to bring to Parliament a Land Adjudication Bill that will permit the certification of fee simple title to generation and commonage lands, in addition to the Law of Property Act and the Registered Land Act.

The Government will also propose legislation to enact a new modern Penal Code and an updated Criminal Procedure Code, and will introduce legislation for the creation of a National Sports Authority.

“(The establishment of the National Sports Authority) is in furtherance of my Government’s commitment to the development of the talents of our young people,” Governor-General His Excellency Sir Arthur Foulkes said during the Speech From the Throne.

Sir Arthur said the Government of The Bahamas also proposes to amend the Bail Act that will restrict the right to bail for persons charged with serious crimes, and limit the circumstances under which bail may be granted.

The Bill is in response to statistics that show that a number of persons on bail awaiting trial, have committed other offences.

The Governor-General said the Government will also bring before Parliament a Freedom of Information Bill that is “meant to enhance transparency and accountability and to provide the Bahamian people and the media with greater access to government decision-making and actions.”

“My Government has a longstanding commitment to good, effective and open governance,” Sir Arthur said. “In furtherance of its efforts to continue to reform and modernize the Public Service, my Government will place before you a new Public Service Act.

“Legislation for a number of new medical and health related matters will be placed before (Parliament); namely, a new Medical Act, a new Dental Act, and a new Nurses Act,” Sir Arthur added.

Sir Arthur said the Government of The Bahamas is “firmly committed” to the thorough modernization of government and the delivery of improved public services.

He said the spirit and urgency of reform “drives and informs” the Government’s responses to the “fervent dreams and pressing needs of the Bahamian people.”

“My Government’s vision is built on the ideals of opportunity and responsibility, fairness and equality, accountability and transparency,” Sir Arthur added.