A draft Cabinet paper has been prepared regarding the proposed regulatory framework for the non-governmental organi-sation (NGO) sector, which is intended to result in the enactment of legislation to manage the sector.
That’s according to Minister of Labour, Social Partnership Relations and the Third Sector, Colin Jordan, who said that Government is making concerted efforts to better facilitate and recognise that sector. He made the point while indicating that the Cabinet paper also speaks to the creation of an NGO Commission, all of which, he said, is geared towards enhancing and facilitating the work of the Third Sector. At present Minister Jordan said, the document is in circulation within the public sector for comment.
Addressing the virtual opening ceremony of a Capacity Building Workshop for members of civil society organisations yesterday morning, he said the recommendation for legislation came in a White Paper that was developed by his ministry in conjunction with the Caribbean Policy Development Centre. He said that White Paper which was submitted to his office in April last year, also highlighted a number of issues impacting the NGO community, including the lack of a formal structure to regulate the operations of the organisations.
With that in mind, he gave the assurance that as progress is made with the creation of the draft legislation, stakeholders in the sector will not only be consulted, but invited to provide feedback on its contents.
“In other words, legislation will not be finalised for debate in Parliament without your involvement,” he said.
His comments came as he said that Government recognises the need to assist civil society to facilitate the growth and development of the sector. He made the point while noting that civil society organisations have not been afforded the opportunity to participate fully and meaningfully in the decision making of the country.
Jordan told those on the Zoom call that the COVID-19 pandemic has shown the importance of the sector. He noted that the organisations operating in that sector have been instrumental in the creation of employment, advocating for social and economic policies and programmes, facilitation of services and giving a voice to many whose voices are not being heard.
“As Minister with responsibility for the Third Sector, I am committed to ensuring that civil society organisations are part of the discussion and are part of the decision making process...”
This is particularly important at a time when the development of many countries is threatened and challenged by the ongoing effects of the pandemic,” he said.
Jordan indicated that they have already developed a tangible expression of that commitment in the form of the establishment of the Social Justice Committee, which comprises several organisations including those representing women, men, the youth, persons living with disabilities, faith based organisations, the LGBT community, journalists, social workers, the credit union movement among others. He said those interests come together to address matters that relate to such things as discrimination, poverty alleviation, the role of the family and access to education.
“This commitment, the commitment to involve and to include Third Sector organisations, civil society organisations is also visible more recently through the inclusion of third sector organisations in recent meetings of the Social Partnership and that cannot be understated either,” he indicated. (JRT)