Access to Information

The Access to Information Requests is handled by OCIR – Office of Communication & International Relations

  • Primary Support to the Access to Information Officer – Ms. Shakeira Dunkley, Legal Officer
  • Secondary Support to the Access to Information Officer –

 

In June 2002, the Government of Jamaica passed the Access to Information (ATI) Act, after several rounds of discussion and consultation with members of various stakeholder groups. This Act was implemented in four phases, over an eighteen month period, commencing on January 5, 2004 with the following Ministries and Agencies:

  • Office of the Prime Minister
  • Ministry of Finance and Planning
  • Ministry of Local Government, Community Development & Sport
  • Cabinet Office
  • Jamaica Information Service
  • National Work Agency
  • Planning Institute of Jamaica

The objects of the ATI Act are to reinforce and give further effect to certain fundamental principles underlying the system of constitutional democracy, namely:
(a) governmental accountability,
(b) transparency, and
(c) public participation in national decision-making.

In passing the ATI Act, Jamaica became the third such Caribbean territory to make such a move, as Trinidad and Tobago and Belize have adopted similar legislation. Internationality, Access to Information or Freedom of Information legislations have been around for many years and have acted as strong support for good governance. Legislations seeking to provide access to information exist in countries such as Australia, Canada, South Africa, the United States of America and many parts of Europe.

For further information on the Access to Information legislation in Jamaica, please visit  the Access to Information Unit’s website.

Access to Information Unit, Jamaica
http://www.ati.gov.jm/