Agencies Achievements & Ongoing Initiatives
Maritime Marriages
The process is still manual and this has been burdensome for the Registry’s international clients, as they
would have to physically send document via courier to the Registry and make payments manually. With the
implementation of eService this will be eliminated and aid in the process of making doing business in The
Bahamas much easier.
The Office of the Attorney-General is using technology to improve its services. In the last quarter of
2015 the eNotary Licence was launched. Attorneys who require a Notary Public Licence can make application
on line and receive their licence within 24 hours.
Annex H
Maritime Marriages initiative, which commenced in 2013, is another successful initiative. The RGD’s
team can appoint marriage officers (Captains or First Officers on the Bahamian Registry of vessells) the regular
audit/training to ensure that the law of The Bahamas and procedure implemented are being carried out.
Laws on Line
In 2015, the Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Legal Affairs contracted to carry out a five
(5) year consolidated exercise of the laws. Upon completion use of The Bahamas Laws Online will be enabled
to access the laws in its consolidated text as of December 31, 2014.
Video Conferencing
The government has made a sizable investment in the Video Conferencing System. This investment has
allowed witness to testify in the comfort of their home whether it was in Cat Island, Abaco or Botswana. The
overall position of video link is that it saves taxes payers countless revenue in witness travel and
accommodation.
Testimonies by video link also afford witness who may be otherwise not minded to testify can have the
opportunity to give testimony anonymously. This positively impacts the justice system as it minimized witness
intimidation.
Ours is an archipelagic nation. This system can also be used to hold meetings and share information in
times of disaster.
MINISTRY OF WORKS & URBAN DEVELOPMENT
Legislation
The Planning and Subdivisions Bill 2016 was completed early in this month. This Bill seeks to repeal and replace
Act that came into force in 2010. The 2010 Act is the subject of much criticism before the courts, in several
cases due to noncompliance of Act.
The Contractors Bill is ready for the consideration of Cabinet.
The Buildings Regulations Act has been amended to allow for the construction and use of Communication
Towers.
The Urban Renewal Authority Bill is being considered by the Ministry.
Energy Reform
The Government of The Bahamas has taken tangible steps to fulfil our Charter for Governance commitment in
respect of energy and energy reform.
[523]
2016/2017
DRAFT
ESTIMATES
OF REVENUE &
EXPENDITURE