International Right To Know Day Events

In celebration of the International Right to Know Day tomorrow [Sept 28], the Information Commissioner’s Office will release a series of “What Do You Know Now?” videos.

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 Information Commissioner’s Office joins nearly 130 countries with public access to information laws recognising International Right to Know Day.

“The purpose of International Right to Know Day is to increase individuals’ awareness of their right to access records held by the government and other public authorities. Since 2015, the Public Access to Information Act 2010 (PATI Act) has given Bermudians and residents this right to access public records and empowers them to hold public authorities accountable for the public decisions that they make.

“This year marks Bermuda’s 7th commemoration of International Right to Know Day. The theme for 2021, is “What Do You Know Now?”, focusing on the impact of the PATI Act in Bermuda and highlighting what our community has collectively learned from PATI disclosures.

“The Information Commissioner’s Office will release a series of “What Do You Know Now?” videos to commemorate International Right to Know Day, from 28 September to 1 October

“The Information Commissioner encourages the media to use this opportunity to highlight the benefits of PATI rights. The Information Commissioner is available for discussions in your preparation for programming or articles about International Right to Know Day or the rights given by the PATI Act.

“The schedule for the International Right to Know Day programming is below:

Tuesday, September 28 – International Right to Know Day

• “Information Commissioner for Bermuda’s International Right to Know Day Statement released
• “Time: 11:00am
• “Available on ico.bm as well as the ICO’s YouTube, Facebook and Instagram pages

Wednesday, September 29

“What Do You Know Now?” video series launched

“The ICO is releasing a video series highlighting what the public knows now because of disclosures under the PATI Act. Each PATI request submitted by a Bermudian or resident can be a powerful catalyst that places more information into the public domain. Public disclosures under the PATI Act allows for the whole community to know who, what, why, where, how and when public decisions were made. The videos will focus on disclosures about how public money is spent, the reasons for public decision-making, quality of life issues and public sector salaries. All videos in this series will be available on ico.bm as well as the ICO’s YouTube, Facebook and Instagram pages.

• “Time: 11:00am
• “Theme: Public spending and contracts

Thursday, September 30

“What Do You Know Now?” video series release continues

• “Time: 11:00am
• “Theme: Quality of life and public decision-making

Friday, October 1

“What Do You Know Now?” video series release continues

• “Time: 11:00am
• “Theme: Public salaries

Recipient of the 3rd Annual Information Commissioner’s Award announced

“The Information Commissioner’s Award is presented annually as part of the commemoration of International Right to Know Day. The Award honours individuals who have excelled in their role as Information Officers in one or more of the following areas: Communication, Innovation, Leadership and Service.

• “Time: 12:00pm

“Award recipient announced by press release. Announcement also available on ico.bm and the ICO’s Facebook and Instagram pages.”

#PATI

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