by Rick Lowe
On Second Thought was a weekly column this blogger wrote for The Bahama Journal from July 7, 1998 through September 7, 1999. Some of them might be dated by now, but I republish them here for what they are worth.
On second Thought! August 31, 1999.
Laws bloody laws
One of the most important principles of Parliamentary democracy is to ensure that Members of Parliament are accountable to the people by whom they were elected. (FNM Manifesto ’92).
In recent years we have had an unending flow of new or revised legislation. Unfortunately there is little public discussion of the contents. In fact, I submit that our Government now discourages public discussion!
The Minimum Labour Standards Act has been circulated several times among a “select committee” appointed by the Government to make recommendations. Copies had to be “leaked” to various people in the private sector to get different opinions. A new seat belt law is apparently about to be tabled. An “appointed” group too supposedly vetted this. I work in the automotive industry and our association has not been asked for comment. A community service bill was presented to Parliament and the Senate. I wonder how many people actually offered comment. What about the new Police Act?
The list goes on and on, and I would be willing to bet that a handful of appointees decided what is best for all of us. I do not wish to detract from the valuable effort the citizens who committed their time and effort to review these laws made, but what I find objectionable is the secrecy that surrounds this process.
What I find even more offensive is that my Government committed to “Circulate simplified drafts of pending major legislation to stimulate public discussion” and this is not being done. Presumably the legislation presented to date has not been “major” or committee’s sworn to secrecy represents the “public discussion.”
Although I am no expert on the proceedings of the House, I understand that any document presented to Parliament is available to the public. Just try to get one. Even the Agenda of the business to be conducted by our “Representatives” is not available. Unless my interpretation of what “available” means is incorrect.
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