Bahamas

Overview and Key facts:

Capital: Nassau Land Area: 303,000 sq km Head of Government: Rt. Hon. Hubert Alexander Ingraham Population: 331, 000 (2007) Major Languages: English, Creole Major Religion(s): Baptist 35.4%, Anglican 15.1%, Roman Catholic 13.5%, Pentecostal 8.1%, Church of God 4.8%, Methodist 4.2%, other Christian 15.2%, none or unspecified 2.9%, other 0.8% (2000 census) Date of Joining: 1973

Status of FOI Legislation:

Article 23(1) of the Constitution includes the right to receive and impart ideas and information without interference within the right to freedom of expression.

The Data Protection (Privacy of Personal Information) Act 2003, has been adopted to regulate the collection, processing, keeping, use and disclosure of certain information relating to individuals. The Act has been passed but has not yet been brought into force.

Status of National Human Rights Institutions:

None

News Updates:

The Bahamas: On 28 February 2009 ‘Caribbean Net News’ reported that Bahamas has adopted a regional declaration on Combating Illicit Drug Trafficking, Organized Crime, Terrorism and other Serious Crime in the Caribbean.

Bahamas: On 10 January 2009 ‘Caribbean Net News’ reported that law reform will be among the list of priorities for the Bahamas government in 2009.

Bahamas: On 18 November 2008 'Caribbean Net news' reported that Bahamas is planning to increase the penalty for serious sexual offences to life imprisonment and introduce voyeurism and electronic procuration as new offences.

Bahamas: On 23 September 2008 'Caribbean Net News' reported that the Parliament has begun to debate on a Bill that will allow plea bargaining in criminal cases. The Bill is intended to improve the administration of justice in the country.

Bahamas: On 6 August 2008, 'Caribbean Net News' reported that the Department of Immigration has vowed to take a more "aggressive approach" against the issue of illegal immigration. The statement was made by the Minister of State for Immigration after the capture of approximately 300 Haitians nationals at the end of July. The new approach will include a public hotline to inform officials of suspected illegal immigrant activity and increased security in detention centres.