Gulf | Bahrain
Fresh start for transparency watchdog
Seeking to shrug off its rather docile reputation, a revamped Bahrain Transparency Society is planning a series of workshops to highlight transparency ethics and practices in the country.
- By Habib Toumi, Bureau Chief
- Published: 00:20 September 5, 2008
Manama: Seeking to shrug off its rather docile reputation, a revamped Bahrain Transparency Society is planning a series of workshops to highlight transparency ethics and practices in the country.
"We want to regain our verve and engage in activities that will improve standards while keeping in tune with ground realities," Abbas Bu Safwan, the secretary general of the society, told Gulf News yesterday.
The society has of late been weakened by disputes among some of its members and with civil society groups. Its slide from once being a formidable force began with a bitter controversy sparked by its publication of a report on the 2006 elections.
Bu Safwan said the revamped board would give the society's bid to partner official and non-official bodies to reassert its mission new impetus.
Workshop proposed
A workshop on the "credibility and honesty of journalism" proposed to be held in partnership with the information ministry is among activities that will signal a new start for the society.
"We agreed with Jehad Bu Kamal, Information Minister, that journalists from the region and beyond would take part in the workshop," said Bu Safwan.
The partnership with the industry and commerce ministry will feature a workshop to address healthy and clear administrative procedures and honest practices in companies and societies, he said.
"The ultimate objective is to make sure that the information is always available and that it flows freely. We also want to ensure transparency," Bu Safwan said.
In July, the society said it would issue a report on transparency levels, to be drafted in cooperation with activists, journalists, lawmakers, economists and educators.
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