The council stressed the World Press Freedom Day as an opportunity to recall with respect and appreciation the pivotal role of the national press, journalists, columnists and media persons in the national work process, defending national issues and confronting the misleading media campaigns targeting Bahrain. It reiterated the government’s unflinching support to freedom of expression and legislations aimed at protecting the journalists and media personnel, which earned Manama “the Capital of Arab Media 2013-2014” in the 10th Media Forum hosted recently by Kuwait.
The cabinet congratulated Shaikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa on being voted President of the Asian Football Confederation and member of FIFA Executive Bureau, describing the achievement as an added value to Bahrain’s accomplishments and a reflection of an international confidence in Bahrain to steer international work-be it in the sport field or other domains.
HRH the Prime Minister directed ministries and government bodies to take care of citizens’ problems and respond to them fast and positively by ensuring the complainant gets the appropriate explanation.
In this context, HRH the Premier directed the Education and Health Ministries to tackle complaints regarding a delay in accrediting some universities’ certificates, including Dilmon’s.
He also directed the Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry to follow up on the issue of fishermen’s cabins on Hidd coast and take into consideration the fishermen’s needs when carrying out any development project.
HRH instructed the Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry to coordinate with the Culture Ministry to work out suitable criteria for the fishermen’s cabins while taking into account the tourism requirements.
The cabinet underscored the importance of availability of preventative and medical services in all villages and towns, in line with the urbanization boom witnessed by Bahrain. It stressed the need for an extension in setting up small and medium specialized medical centres according to a comprehensive vision and a strategy that meet Bahrain’s present and future demands.
The council discussed a number of proposals to curb hereditary and communicable diseases and protect those intending to get married. In this respect, the cabinet referred to the legislative power a draft law to amend some provisions of law 11 for 2004 regarding pre-marriage medical check-up.
The cabinet approved urban renovation of Deraz, Bani Jamrah, Al-Marakh and Barbar through the Urban Development Plan by setting up more parks, squares, stadiums, markets, car parks and children fun parks as well as taking care of archaeological sites.
The council also approved a proposal by the Representatives Council to provide a praying room for women at Bahrain International Airport for both farewell bidders and receivers.
The cabinet directed relevant parties to prepare the needed legal tool for the ratification of a protocol between Bahrain and the Netherlands on amending an air services agreement following a draft law in this regard which was approved by the Shura and Representatives Councils.