As part of approving the policy, the cabinet decided that the Premier's Office develop an implementation plan for the Guide that includes training of Ministries and departments and that the Policy be reviewed after two (2) years and a decision made on the enactment of the proposed Administrative Justice (Judicial Review) Bill. Photo: VINO/File

The Premier in an interview with the acting Director of Communications Karia J. Christopher on May 23, 2024, on the need to ensure there are always checks and balances, said 'Persons who have authority always have to have a balance between ensuring that you have good governance, you have transparency, and you have adherence to the rule of law and of course, that you are transparent in your dealings,' Photo: GIS/File

The Premier, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) in an interview in May 2024, said the government asked former Attorney General, Mr Baba F. Aziz to write a policy that will help provide guidance for those in authority in the exercise of their discretionary powers. 

As part of approving the policy, the Cabinet decided that the Premier's Office develop an implementation plan for the Guide that includes training of Ministries and departments and that the Policy be reviewed after two (2) years and a decision made on the enactment of the proposed Administrative Justice (Judicial Review) Bill.

It has also been decided that the Report be tabled in the House of Assembly at the next convenient sitting.

More checks & balances 

The Premier, in an interview with the acting Director of Communications Karia J. Christopher on May 23, 2024, on the need to ensure there are always checks and balances, said: “Persons who have authority always have to have a balance between ensuring that you have good governance, you have transparency, and you have adherence to the rule of law and of course, that you are transparent in your dealings.” 

The Premier added, “That has to be balanced with the need to be efficient and effective, and when you have clear policies and clear guidelines they assist in making the process more efficient and more effective because they're very clear expectations as it pertains to the exercise of discretion,” he said.

Government ministers hold a certain amount of power to bypass processes and execute decisions at their discretion; however, the Premier said cutting through processes can often cause challenges.

The Premier added that such moves could therefore harm the confidence of the people who have elected and put confidence in their leaders, therefore it remains important to ensure while there is speed and efficiency in governance, there are measures in place to protect the public if someone seeks to abuse that discretion.