The Access to Information Unit in collaboration with the Access to information Advisory Stakeholders Committee officially launched its National High School Essay Competition on Wednesday September 30, 2009.  The event was held at the Jamaicans for Justice Headquarters at 2 Fagan Avenue.

The competition which is in its second staging, invites high school students in third to sixth form to write on the topic: The right to access official government documents granted to members of the public by the Access to Information Act (2002) strengthens our democratic system of government. Discuss.  The prizes being offered are $10,000, $7,000 and $5,000 respectively for first to third place winners.

Dr. Carolyn Gomes, chairperson of the Access to Information Advisory Stakeholders Committee, offered opening remarks and welcomed all in attendance.  These included member of the media and members of the Access to Information Association of Administrators group.

Dr. Gomes commended the Unit on the work it has done and continues to do in sensitizing persons on the Access to Information Act and underscored its importance to the development of a strong democratic process which facilitates transparency, accountability and public participation in the public sector.  Dr Gomes added that Jamaica is well placed as a leader in the region in relation to its Access to Information regime.

Director of the Unit, Damian Cox noted that the aim of the competition was to engage the youth in, not only critical thinking and research, but to engender an appreciation for the value of public participation in the day-to-day affairs of government.  Mr. Cox also told the gathering that the ATI Act was a critical tool that could and has been used in very practical and basic ways to assist persons, including students and parents to improve their schools and communities.  He also spoke to the fact that, based on information gathered from last year’s competition, students who excelled in essay competitions also did well in other areas of academic interest.

In offering her closing remarks, chairperson of the Access to Information Association of Administrators, Ms. Helen Rumbolt noted that the network group was pleased to once again be a part of the endeavor and urged those in attendance to encourage students to participate in the competition.  She also expressed the hope that the competition would exceed the level of success it enjoyed last year.

The deadline for submission of essays is February 28, 2010 and should be sent to the Access to Information Unit offices at 5-9 South Odeon Avenue, Kingston 10 and can also be sent via email to ati@cwjamaica.com or faxed to 926-9491.