Implementation of Freedom of Information Act a must- PSC

Apr 30, 2013 News

The Private Sector Commission (PSC) has assured that the implementation of the Freedom of Information Act is part of its continuous discussions with Government on the freedom of the press.
This is according to the Commission’s Executive Member, Kit Nascimento.
Nascimento said that the PSC has a strong position on the implementation of the Act. “It should be implemented plain and simple…This is on our agenda,” he added.
According to the Government Information Agency (GINA), the Access to Information Bill was passed in the National Assembly on September 15, 2011.
“The Bill seeks to set out a practical regime of right to information for persons to secure access to information under the control of public authorities in order to promote transparency and accountability in the working of the Government and public authorities and for the appointment of the Commissioner of Information”, GINA bulletin stated.
However, the Act is not yet enacted and this has posed a challenge to journalists who require pertinent information from Government Ministries and other regulatory bodies.
The International Press Institute (IPI) that recently hosted an Investigative Workshop in Guyana was told by local journalists about the challenge to access information in Guyana.
Alison Bethel-McKenzie, Executive Director of IPI said that her organisation will be pushing Government to enact Guyana’s Freedom of Information Act. If needs be, the international body will encourage trade partners to apply pressure to ensure Government enacts the Law.

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