Information Commissioner Announces Awards
The Information Commissioner’s Office [ICO] has recognised five public authorities for their achievements in promoting transparency, public access to information and digital stewardship at the Information Commissioner’s Awards 2026, marking the conclusion of Bermuda Right to Know Day observations.
A spokesperson said, “Today, the Information Commissioner, Jason Outerbridge formally announces the recipients of the Information Commissioner’s Awards 2026. Five public authorities are recognised this year for outstanding achievements in upholding public access, transparency and digital stewardship under the Public Access to Information Act 2010.
“Closing out the Information Commissioner’s Office’s [ICO] week-long Bermuda Right to Know Day observations, Information Commissioner’s Awards were presented to:
- “Bermuda Economic Development Corporation received the Transparency in Public Spending Award, for their outstanding consistency and thoroughness in gazetting qualifying public contracts valued over $50,000 under Section 6[6] of the PATI Act. By routinely publishing clear, comprehensive details of its vendor agreements in the Official Gazette, the BEDC sets an exemplary standard for public sector procurement accountability.
- “Bermuda Hospitals Board received the Innovation in Proactive Disclosures Award for pioneering innovative approaches to proactive publication. Beyond meeting basic statutory requirements, the BHB routinely publishes updated clinical quality and safety data, alongside real-time Emergency Department waiting times online. This forward-thinking initiative embodies ‘Transparency by Design’, delivering vital, user-friendly information directly to the public when it matters most.
- “Human Rights Commission received the Inclusion in Proactive Disclosures Award, for expanding public access to information through inclusive communication and sustained community engagement. By designing proactive disclosures that cater to diverse community needs and fostering an open, accessible dialogue with the public, the Commission ensures that the fundamental right to know about human rights in Bermuda is genuinely accessible to all.
- “IDT Portal Team [Information and Digital Technologies] received the Integrity in Digital Transformation Award for their stewardship of public records during major technological changes. While developing and launching the new government web portal, the team ensured that historical public records and digital assets were preserved and kept publicly accessible. 2 This award honours digital leadership that upholds record integrity and public access alongside technological modernisation.
- “Ministry of Justice Headquarters received the Transparency in Resolution Award for demonstrating commendable commitment to constructive dispute resolution of a review by the Information Commissioner. Following a complex and challenging history with a requester, the Ministry achieved a successful resolution by making new, meaningful disclosures. This award recognises that transparency is often realized through perseverance, self-reflection, and a genuine willingness to revisit initial access decisions in the public interest.”
Information Commissioner Jason Outerbridge added: “Bermuda Right to Know Day is not only about reminding the public of their PATI rights. It is also an opportunity to recognise public authorities who help make these rights meaningful. The public’s right to access information depends on the commitment of public authorities to upholding Bermuda’s PATI framework. Good PATI practice among public authorities helps ensure that the public receive timely, accurate and meaningful access to information.
“These awardees have each demonstrated ‘transparency and openness by design’ in the way they’ve approached their PATI responsibilities. Their efforts set the tone for what good PATI practices can look like across Bermuda’s 180 public authorities.”
A spokesperson added, “For more information about PATI and the public’s right to access information, visit www.ico.bm.”
Now post the WORST ones for NOT promoting transparency, NOT allowing public access to information, and NOT practicing digital stewardship.
Like a certain Ministry where, from the Minister right on down the food chain, does not archive their cell phone texts as required by PATI.