SVGHRA discusses issues relating to the Freedom of Information Act

Issues relating to the Freedom of Information Act were discussed among public officers and members of the St. Vincent Human Rights Association (SVGHRA),{{more}} as the Association held phase two of their Information Sharing Session on the Act.

The session took place at the Methodist Church Hall on Wednesday, May 25, 2011. The session featured a question and answer discussion on the Act, as well as an overview of the contents of the Act and a group work session.

President of the SVGHRA Nicole Sylvester, giving the overview of the Act, clarified several terms used in the document. The Act, No. 27 of 2003, was passed in the House of Assembly on June 27, 2003, and assented to on December 15, 2003.

Sylvester stated that the purpose of the Act is to enable members of the public to have access to information in the possession of public officers and government.

Elaborating on certain sections in the Act, Sylvester noted that officers must present information in a form in which it can be understood, whether it is in print, sound, or in an encryption, which she noted must be decoded.

She added that, oftentimes, persons may require certain information, but may request it from the wrong ministry or may not know exactly where to acquire it. In these cases, Sylvester said persons are usually turned away as the officer may respond that they are unable to provide such information or may send them to another location.

She, however, stated that in accordance with the Act, a public officer should not turn away the person, but should direct them to the relevant ministry or officer with the information.

Certain officials, Sylvester added, are exempted from providing certain information, such as judicial officers, commissions of inquiry and the Governor General.(OS)