‘Right To Know’ Panel Discussion On Sept 28

The Information Commissioner’s Office will be hosting a panel discussion “Information in Action!”, on Thursday [Sept 28] from 6.30pm to 7.30pm which will take place in the Bermuda College Library.

A spokesperson said “International Right to Know Day was established on 28 September 2002 by campaigners from around the world to mark the creation of the Freedom of Information Advocates Network. Since then, on 28 September each year, Information Commissioners, advocates, human rights organisations, the media, public bodies, and the public celebrate the right to access information and the principles of openness, accountability, and transparency.

“The purpose of International Right to Know Day is to increase individual’s awareness of their right to access records held by the government and other public authorities, and the importance of this right to an open and robust democracy. The right to know supports the public’s ability to increase the accountability of public authorities, to understand how and why decisions are made, and to increase the transparency of public spending. We join with over 115 other counties with public access to information laws.

“This year, the Information Commissioner’s Office will be holding a panel discussion “Information in Action!”, which will take place in the Bermuda College Library on Thursday, 28 September from 6:30pm to 7:30pm. Our panelists include Qian Dickinson [Bermemes], Jonathan Starling [Greenrock] and Samantha Strangeways [Royal Gazette] discussing the power of information to further their work and advocacy. The event will also be livestreamed by Bermemes and Bernews.

“Information Commissioner Gitanjali Gutierrez stated ‘On International Right to Know Day we are celebrating the right to know what public bodies are doing and how they make decisions. Some people might ask why is it so important to have access to information? Why does it matter? On Thursday, our diverse panelists will share with us how they use the information they have, and the power of information to shape, transform and inspire’.

“The Information Commissioner encourages media to use this opportunity to visit the progress of the PATI regime and its use, as well as highlight its potential as a tool for furthering our democracy. The Information Commissioner is available for interviews, resources, and discussions in your preparation of programming or articles for International Right to Know Day.

“September 28 – International Right to Know Day

• Information in Action! – Panel Discussion
• 6:30pm – 7:30pm, followed by a reception
• Bermuda College Library
• Livestream by Bermemes and Bernews”

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