Shaun Dill & Travis Powell Win ICO Awards
Shaun Dill of the Office of the Ombudsman and Sergeant Travis Powell of the Bermuda Police Service [BPS] received the 2021 Information Commissioner’s Award for Information Officers.
A spokesperson said, “Information Commissioner Gitanjali Gutierrez formally announced the recipients of the 2021 Information Commissioner’s Award for Information Officers.
“This is the third year for the Information Commissioner’s Award, which is presented annually as part of the commemoration of the International Right Know Day falling on 28 September each year.
“This 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. Nominations for the award were invited and encouraged from all public authorities, providing an opportunity to recognize individuals for their hard work and dedication while serving as Information Officers.
“Two Information Officers received the 2021 Information Commissioner’s Award: Mr. Shaun Dill, of the Office of the Ombudsman, and Sergeant Travis Powell of the Bermuda Police Service.
“Commissioner Gutierrez recognizes Mr. Shaun Dill for the professional and effective manner in which he fulfilled his obligations under the PATI Act. In carrying out his role, Mr. Dill embodies the integrity, courage and commitment to service that the Information Commissioner hopes to find in all Information Officers.
“His leadership inspires his colleagues to learn more about the rights and obligations under the PATI Act. Mr. Dill’s selection for the Information Commissioner’s Award reflect his commitment to the PATI Act and good governance on behalf of the Office of the Ombudsman.
“Commissioner Gutierrez also recognises Sergeant Travis Powell for excelling in his responsibilities as an Information Officer across all of the areas considered. In addition to handling the highest volume of PATI requests of any Information Officer, Sergeant Powell has been a catalyst and change leader for ongoing improvements within the BPS’s policies and practices under PATI. His steadfast commitment to fulfilling his role in a professional, effective and pragmatic manner has benefitted not only the BPS as an organization but also the public it serves.”
Shaun Dill of the Office of the Ombudsman and Sergeant Travis Powell of the Bermuda Police Service
Information Commissioner Gitanjali Gutierrez stated, “During a year when many public authorities were operating under financial and operational constraints, Information Officers throughout the public sector ensured that Bermudians and residents continued to have their rights to access to public information supported.
“These Information Officers’ commitment to good governance and transparency is critical when as a country we are facing challenges on many fronts. This year’s award recipients exemplify the best qualities of Information Officers who are diligently serving the public. In addition to working well with PATI requesters, they are also encouraging their organisations and colleagues to understand the PATI Act and implement it as effectively as possible. We celebrate their courage and contributions to good governance and public access to information in Bermuda”.
“The Information Commissioner’s Office expresses its appreciation to all Information Officers. From those individuals who have steadily held this position since the PATI Act came into force six years ago, to those who have been recently appointed, it is the Commissioner’s hope that each officer continues to represent themselves and their respective public authorities in a manner that elevates the public’s rights under the PATI Act.”
