Recovery committee could usher in greater participatory governance

The Economic Recovery Committee, charged with formulating The Bahamas’ economic resuscitation amidst the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, could usher in a time of greater participatory governance and engage a broader group of the population, Executive Director of the Organization for Responsible Governance (ORG) Matt Aubry told Guardian Business yesterday.

Aubry, who was named to the committee that is expected to be formally announced today by Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis, said the body has not had a formal meeting as yet.

However, he said the group has been charged with being innovative in its approach to restimulating The Bahamas’ economy.

In the government’s announcement obtained by this paper, the committee is being called to develop a job-creating and business-stimulating plan.

“The public-private committee will make recommendations to the Cabinet on the long-term economic recovery of The Bahamas’ economy, including job creation and stimulating small business recovery and development in response to COVID-19,” the statement noted.

“The committee will focus on restoring the macroeconomy, restarting a competitive business environment, economic diversification, tourism and transport, financial services and labor.”

Acting Financial Secretary Marlon Johnson and businessman Ken Kerr, chief executive officer of Providence Advisors, have been named as co-chairs of the committee.

Also named to the committee are John Rolle, governor of The Central Bank of The Bahamas; Wendy Craigg, former Central Bank governor and advisor to the Ministry of Finance; Christina Rolle, executive director of the Securities Commission of The Bahamas; Davinia Blair-Grant, executive director of the Small Business Development Centre; John Delaney, Queen’s Counsel and senior partner at Delaney Partners; Khrystle Rutherford-Ferguson, chair of the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers’ Confederation; Greg Laroda, chair of the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce; Suzanne Pattusch, executive vice president of the Bahamas Hotel & Tourism Association; Tanya McCartney, executive director of the Bahamas Financial Services Board; Nat Beneby, former managing director of RBC Royal Bank; Patrick Ward, president and chief executive officer of Bahamas First General Insurance Co.; Edison Sumner, principal of Sumner Trading Partners; Franklyn Butler, chief executive officer and president of Cable Bahamas Ltd.; Obie Ferguson, president of the Bahamas Trade Union Congress; and Aubry.

Minnis said in the statement that The Bahamas must react quickly to recover the country’s economy.

“The committee should be bold and creative in its recommendations,” said Minnis.

“We are in a new era. We need to think and act in new ways in order to recover as quickly as possible and to build a more dynamic and diverse economy. We have to enhance the use of digital technologies and delivery services.”

Aubry said he was honored to be chosen for the committee and said he will ensure civil society is duly represented.

“This is a time for more open, involved and participatory governance,” he said.

“This scenario does not believe in political parties… As we push forward, we’re possibly given the opportunity to come out of this stronger than where we were.”

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source https://thenassauguardian.com/2020/04/27/recovery-committee-could-usher-in-greater-participatory-governance/