Caribbean Freedom of Information Network launched

Title [of Press Rease]: Caribbean Freedom of Information Network launched at Landmark Conference
Alternative title: 11 Caribbean Countries Meet to Discuss Freedom of Information Laws in the Region
Date published: March 22, 2013
Source: World Resources Institute

URL: http://www.wri.org/press/2013/03/release-caribbean-freedom-information-network-launched-landmark-conference


Abstract:
This article or press release announces the outcome and decision of an event (a two-day conference) held in Kingston, Jamaica where 11 Caribbean countries met to discuss matters relating to freedom of information legislation in the region. Commonwealth Caribbean nations with legislation pending, plus those with legislation implemented are noted.

The press release also reportedly quotes from the persons of Dr. Carolyn Gomes, chairperson of the Access to Information Advisory Stakeholders’ Committee and Danielle Andrade, Legal Director of the Jamaica Environment Trust, stating why such legislation is important, useful and beneficial to citizens. Also reported are the sponsors behind the funding and staging of the conference, as well as participants.


Excerpt:

For the first time, Caribbean governments and civil society have come together to discuss access to information, public participation in governance, and access to justice at a landmark conference held in Kingston, Jamaica. Representatives from 11 Caribbean countries attended the “Regional Conference on Freedom of Information in the Caribbean: Improving Management for the Environment.”

At the close of the two-day conference on March 21, 2013, governments, civil society, and media announced the decision to launch a Caribbean network on freedom of information to support processes to improve standards for access to information in the region.

Dr. Carolyn Gomes, chairperson of the Access to Information Advisory Stakeholders’ Committee and Executive Director of Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) said, “freedom of information is the most powerful tool for ordinary citizens to arm themselves with the information they need to change their lives. Launching this freedom of information network will build opportunities for collaboration, learning and capacity building among information commissioners, civil society and media across the region.”

January 2012 conference for Caribbean information professionals

A relevant conference for Caribbean library and information professionals is to be held in January 2012.

Organisers: /SlashRoots and Mona School of Business, The University of the West Indies
Conference: Developing the Caribbean
Date: 26th January 2012
Venue: Faculty of Law, University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Kingston, Jamaica
Cost: $1000 for regular attendee, but $500 for student
















Topics:

• Cataloguing National Data Resources: Finding the  right balance between Freedom of Information, Access and Privacy
• Open Data
• FOSS: Adoption in the public sector
• A Presentation of the Edward Seaga Database Collection

Grenada's PM restates commitment to Information Act

Title: Restating commitment to Information act
Source: Grenada Today / SpiceGrenada.com
Date Published: May 23rd, 2009
URL: http://www.spicegrenada.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1053:restating-commitment-to-information-act-&catid=230:week-ending-may-23rd-2009&Itemid=53

Abstract:
Article reports on excerpts from the Prime Minister of Grenada's speech to a Caribbean Media and Communication Conference held in the community. Much of the speech is directed at the media, with the Prime Minister expressing his personal perception of the role of the media and the abuse of that role in Grenada's society. In this article also is expressed the Prime Minister's commitment to Grenada's Information Act or freedom of information legislation.

Excerpt:

The 10-month old government of Prime Minister Tillman Thomas campaign promise to implement a Freedom of Information Act is well underway. During the opening of a two-day Caribbean Media and Communication Conference held at the Flamboyant Hotel last week Thursday and Friday, the Prime Minister disclosed that his government has already circulated a draft Freedom of Information Act for inputs and feedback.

He told the gathering of over 30 regional journalists/broadcasters together with local media practitioners that the choice of Grenada to hold this Conference is timely as his administration is currently engaging stakeholders on a proposed freedom of information act and is about to commence engagement on a new media policy.

Jamaica's Access To Information Essay Competition 2009

AUTHOR:

TITLE: Campion College Student Wins ATI Essay Competition

SOURCE: KINGSTON, JAMAICA INFORMATION SERVICE(JIS)

DATE: Friday, April 03, 2009

URL: http://jis.gov.jm/information/html/20090403T000000-0500_19060_JIS_CAMPION_COLLEGE_STUDENT_WINS_ATI_ESSAY_COMPETITION.asp


EXCERPT:
The Public Relations Manager for the ATI Unit, Damian Wilson, said the unit would be launching another essay competition for tertiary level students.

He also outlined that the unit has also embarked on a number of other initiatives to increase awareness of the Act. These include the launch of its Facebook page and a channel on YouTube. He disclosed that the unit is getting ready to launch an advertising campaign on Jamaica Urban Transit Company(JUTC) buses, and on liquid crystal display (LCD) screens in supermarkets.

The ATI Unit spearheads the implementation and administration of the ATI Act, which was passed in June 2002. The Act provides the public with a general right of access to official documents held by public authorities.


ABSTRACT:

The article reports on an award ceremony for the Access to Information Unit's Essay Competition which seeks to promote awareness of the act among school students. Contains information about the purpose of the competition and future plans for the competition.