By Bahamas Information Services
For inquisitive minds, the laws of The Bahamas are now available on-line at http://laws.bahamas.gov.bs.
This is the first of several fast track initiatives under the Bahamas Government on-line (BGOL) initiative.
BGOL is a comprehensive, long-term strategy to transform and modernize government services and the business of government using information and communications technologies.
"This is further manifestation of the government's commitment to empower citizens by making government services available on-line," said Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Allyson Maynard-Gibson.
Ministers Maynard-Gibson and Minister of State for Finance Senator James H. Smith launched Bahamas Laws On-line on Monday.
"It involves providing greater access to government information, the electronic delivery of government services, and ultimately re-engineering business processes within and across government to provide efficiency in government administration adopting a whole-of-government approach," added Minister Smith. The availability of the laws of the Bahamas on-line "is critical to knowing your rights, obligations and for the Bahamian businessman, what services and concessions are available to advance his business."
According to Maynard-Gibson, this new service will feature a convenient 24-hour access from any personal computer anywhere in the world to the Statute Laws of the Bahamas, selected texts of the laws passed from April 2002 to 2005, and a listing of the annual Acts passed from April, 2002.
As for the Subsidiary Legislation, these web pages are under construction and will become available once quality assurance has been completed.
"Civic responsibility has much greater meaning and power when the Constitution – our country's genetic blueprint – and our laws are readily available, at our fingertips," she said.
The business community "will be delighted" by the launch of the site, said Maynard-Gibson, a former Minister of Financial Services and Investments.
"It further demonstrates government's commitment to the Bahamas' financial service sector being 'blue chip, well regulated and cooperative," she said.
The Consulting and Audit Canada Team and Irosoft provided the necessary technological services and support to the project.
