Log In

Reset Password
BERMUDA | RSS PODCAST

Move towards greater transparency in Government

Premier Paula Cox is expected to introduce new protection laws for whistle blowers in a bid to create more transparency in Government.

The move, which will protect informants in the public and private sector, was set out in "A National Plan Under Cox's Leadership" presented to Progressive Labour Party Delegates at last week's election.

Last night United Bermuda Party MP John Barritt said he was looking forward to the new measures becoming legislation. He claimed they were "long overdue".

The pledge is just one of three outlined by the new Premier to improve public access to information. Others include publishing Information Communication Technology contracts online and improving training, Anti Money Laundering procedures and international best practice systems and controls.

Since last week's election, business leaders have held talks with the Ministry of Finance to address ways to improve the Island's tax transparency.

Meanwhile construction industry insiders also urged the new Premier to make the tendering process for public projects more open.

According to Mr. Barritt, such efforts have long been advocated by the UBP and would protect civil servants from speaking up against any wrongdoings within their department.

"I look forward to it, particularly the whistle blowing step is long overdue. A great opportunity was missed to include it in the recent Public Access to Information Act.

"The United Bermuda Party have long recognised that there ought to be those provisions. In fact we have tabled and debated legislation from Canada a number of years ago.

"And while it would be very easy and accurate of me to say it is like 'building the barn door after the horse has bolted', I recognise it is long overdue. I look forward to seeing what (Ms. Cox) will come forward with."