Civil Society Organisations Demand Greater Civic Engagement and Accountability 

In a joint statement, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) from The Bahamas and Barbados are calling for urgent reforms in public finance, sovereign debt management, and climate justice, emphasising the need for greater civic engagement, accountability, and transparency. These concerns were highlighted during recent consultations held under the Funders Organised for Rights in the Global Economy (FORGE) II and the Open Society Foundations (OSF) projects. The projects brought together key regional stakeholders, including those affected by Hurricane Dorian, to address the challenges of national debt and climate resilience in the Caribbean.

The FORGE II and OSF projects, implemented by the Caribbean Policy Development Centre (CPDC), focus on mobilising civil society organisations and communities to engage actively in regional and global campaigns addressing sovereign debt and climate justice. Supported by Debt Justice (formerly Jubilee UK), CPDC has collaborated with civil society groups in The Bahamas, Barbados, and the wider Caribbean to provide valuable insights into how these critical issues directly impact local communities.

Their message is clear: sustainable development in the region is only possible if governments prioritize good governance, transparency, and inclusivity in decision-making processes, particularly when it comes to public finances and sovereign debt management.

In their statement, the CSOs in The Bahamas and Barbados acknowledged the government’s efforts to address economic challenges and reduce sovereign debt but urged a more inclusive approach. “We commend the government’s efforts to reduce sovereign debt and promote sustainable development,” said the CSOs in their statement. “However, these efforts must be supported by transparent processes that engage all relevant stakeholders, including CSOs, grassroots organisations, and marginalised communities. It is through such inclusive engagement that we can create the policies that will lead to an equitable and prosperous future for all.”

A key theme that emerged during the consultations was the importance of transparency and information sharing. “We advocate for open and transparent communication channels that facilitate timely information sharing regarding policy initiatives, their implications, and potential alternatives,” the CSOs emphasised. This call for transparency is particularly urgent in light of the growing concerns about the impact of national debt on the daily lives of citizens, especially in communities that are already vulnerable, such as those affected by Hurricane Dorian.

The CSOs also underscored the need for inclusive processes that represent marginalized groups, such as women, youth, indigenous communities, and persons with disabilities. “Ensuring the representation of these groups is essential for developing holistic, effective, and accountable policy frameworks,” they stated. By prioritizing inclusivity, the CSOs believe that governments can create more effective policies that resonate with the diverse needs of the population.

Additionally, the CSOs highlighted the importance of monitoring and accountability mechanisms to evaluate the impact of policies on the socio-economic well-being of citizens. “We advocate for establishing mechanisms to monitor, evaluate, and provide feedback on policy impacts,” the statement reads. “Transparent implementation, regular reporting, and accountability mechanisms are crucial for fostering trust among stakeholders and enhancing democratic governance.”

On the topic of collaboration, the CSOs reiterated their commitment to working alongside the government. “We stand prepared to collaborate with the government, offering our expertise, research, and knowledge to support evidence-based policymaking. By working together, we can develop sustainable solutions to address our nation’s challenges,” they stated. This collaborative approach is seen as key to creating policies that are not only responsive to immediate needs but also forward-looking in addressing the broader challenges facing the Caribbean region.

In addition to the central recommendations around transparency and inclusivity, the CSOs also outlined other areas of focus. These include enhanced engagement with the Caribbean diaspora, which they view as a vital stakeholder in advancing the region’s sustainable development agenda. They also called for greater capacity and financial support for CSOs, recognising that empowering these organisations will enable them to contribute more effectively to policymaking and better support their communities.

By embracing these principles, the CSOs believe that The Bahamas, Barbados, and the wider Caribbean can begin to address the pressing issues of debt, climate change, and governance in a way that benefits all citizens. As the statement concludes: “We reaffirm our commitment to constructive engagement, inclusion, and collaboration with the government. By embracing these principles, we can collectively shape policies that promote a just, equitable, and prosperous Caribbean.”

As the CSOs from The Bahamas and Barbados continue to push for reforms in public finance, sovereign debt management, and climate justice, the call for greater civic participation remains urgent. It is a reminder that the path to sustainable development lies in the active involvement of all citizens. By demanding transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance, the public can hold leaders accountable and ensure that the policies created today serve the interests of all Caribbean communities.

Undersigned by the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce & Employers Confederation, One Eleuthera Foundation, Friends of the Environment, FLO Bahamas, Earthcare, Rise Bahamas, Marriage Children Family Alliance Movement, Save The Bays, Waterkeepers Bahamas, Princess Court Ministries, Science & Perspective, Human Rights Bahamas, The Island Economist, Basic Income Bahamas, and Bahamas Plastic Movement, the joint statement highlights the critical need for collaboration and civic engagement to shape a more resilient and equitable future for the Caribbean region.