Although Barbados does not have legislation guaranteeing access to information or freedom of expression, access to information is generally available in practice. The government has a website and information service to facilitate the dissemination of information such as government directories and press releases. The Government Information Service (BGIS) website can be found at gisbarbados.gov.bb/ . The government also maintains a parliamentary website on which it publishes laws before parliamentary debate and broadcasts live meetings of Parliament. The state budget is also available on this website, www.barbadosparliament.com/ . Barbados does not have a targeted privatization programme. However, the government has announced public-private partnership projects in the area of airport transportation and broadcasting, which will continue to ensure that the government retains ownership of these entities. The process remains open and transparent for foreign investors. For more information, see www.gisbarbados.gov.bb.

Chapter 8 of the RTC describes the competition policy applicable to CARICOM states. Member States are required to create and maintain a national competition authority to facilitate the implementation of competition rules. At CARICOM level, a Caribbean Regional Competition Commission (CCC) enforces competition rules. CARICOM`s competition policy deals with anti-competitive practices such as enterprise-to-business agreements, corporate association decisions and concerted business practices that have the effect or effect of preventing, restricting or distorting competition within the Community, as well as measures by which a company abuses its dominant position within the Community. The Fair Competition Act codified the creation of the Barbados Fair Trading Commission (FTC) in 2001. The FTC is responsible for promoting and maintaining fair competition and participates in the CCC. The FTC regulates the principles, rates and service standards applicable to utilities and other regulated service providers. The Telecommunications Act regulates competition in the telecommunications sector. The Director Financial Intelligence Unit P.O. Box 1372, Bridgetown 246-436-4734 director@barbadosfiu.gov.bb Barbad does not have a bilateral investment agreement with the United States, but it does have a double taxation agreement and an agreement on the exchange of tax information.