Definition of Data

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Main Focus of Document

Strategy to build a single digital interface which will allow citizens to utilise various services.

Target Beneficiaries or Sector

General public, overseas personnel wishing to do business in the country

Key Elements

The Bahamian Government is to introduce a single window concept whereby citizens can access numerous services through a single digital interface. A $30 million loan from Inter-American Development Bank has been secured to facilitate it. Key details include:

1.    Digital Transformation Agenda 2019
The immediate action plan includes:
(a)     Establishment of an E-Business Development Office;
(b)     Further development of the Telecommunications Infrastructure (in conformity with the Telecommunications Sector Policy and international agreements);
(c)     Human Resource Development;
(d)     Ensuring that the necessary legal and regulatory framework is in place.
Added to the above, the Government is committed to promoting appropriate mechanisms to facilitate business-to-business payment systems and the settlement of cross-border transactions, and ongoing enhancement of efforts already started to establish a wide system of e-government. In its Policy Statement, the Government reiterates its commitment to collaborate with the private sector. In positioning The Bahamas as the premier e-commerce business centre of choice, it sees the private sector taking the lead role with Government seeking to facilitate private sector initiatives through the removal of restrictions that may impede e-commerce. 
Specific branches of the E-Business Development Office will be concerned with (a) Legal, Regulatory and Policy Development; (b) Infrastructure and Telecommunications Technology; and (c) e-Government.

Parliament is currently debating a package of enabling e-commerce bills, including:
•     Electronic Communications and Transactions Bill: Creates the environment for the legal certainty necessary to instill confidence in online commercial activity in The Bahamas.
•     Computer Misuse Bill: Creates a series of offences arising out of the unlawful interference with computers and computer systems.
•     Data Protection (Privacy of Information) Bill: Requires that information should be obtained by fair and lawful means and used in a manner consistent with that for which it is collected.
•     Unfair Terms in Consumer Contract Bill: Seeks to establish standards for the protection of consumers entering into commercial arrangements.

Policy/Regulation Mirrors

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