PATI Public Info Sessions To Be Held On Monday

On Monday [Mar 16] at 4:00pm and 5:30pm at the Pier 6 Passenger Terminal, Bermuda’s first Information Commissioner, Gitanjali S. Gutierrez [pictured] will launch a public awareness campaign about the public’s rights under the Public Access to Information [PATI] Act 2010, scheduled to go into effect on 1 April 2015.

The Information Commissioner has scheduled the two public sessions to explain the right to access records granted by the PATI Act 2010 and how a member of the public can file a request for records.

Commissioner Gutierrez will also outline what happens to a request once it is filed and how a requester can appeal if he or she disagrees with the decision by the public authority on the request.

“In many countries throughout the world, the public’s right to access to information held by the government is a critical part of a robust democracy – information has been called the ‘currency’ of a democracy,” stated Commissioner Gutierrez.

“When the public can get information as a matter of right, rather than as a matter of discretion, it allows everyone to engage in public policy debates and participate in a democracy in an informed manner. This ultimately leads to better decision making, accountability, and policies.”

Commissioner Gutierrez adds: “Moving into a system where the public has a right to access records is a significant culture shift within public authorities and within Bermuda. We all need to learn about how this new law will work.

“I hope that the programme on Monday will assist members of the public in preparing their requests and figuring out how to do their part to make the PATI Act’s implementation successful.”

The Information Commissioner is responsible under the PATI Act for promoting public awareness about access to information and for proving guidance and oversight for public authorities’ compliance with their responsibilities under the PATI Act.

The Information Commissioner will hear and resolve appeals when a requester disagrees with the response he or she received. The decisions of the Information Commissioner will be binding rulings, subject to judicial review by the Supreme Court.

Because of this role, the Information Commissioner is designed to be an independent office, not subject to bias or influence by any political party or government.

Commissioner Gutierrez notes: “The Information Commissioner’s Office plays a critical role in the PATI Act’s implementation, especially with respect to hearing appeals from requesters who are not happy with the response of a public authority.

“Because of this role, the Information Commissioner is an independent office, not subject to bias or influence by any political party or government. It is my pledge that the work of the Information Commissioner’s Office will be driven by independence, integrity, and fairness.”

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