FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS |
| 11. What must a government entity do when it gets my request? |
- Inform you in writing that it has so received it.
- Deal with the Application as quickly as possible and inform you of any difficulties being experienced. This will help both parties in possibly coming to a mutual workable understanding, particularly if the request is a complex one (eg. large volume of documents requested) or where it will take longer than the prescribed time allowed within which to find the document.
- Inform you within 30 days of receipt of the Application whether or not the information will be disclosed and grant access or inform you of your rights of appeal as the case may be.
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| 12. Are there fees involved in requesting documents? |
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| Yes, the records will indicate that information has been deleted and the statutory provision that necessitated the deletion. |
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| 13. In what form do I get information? |
Information may be requested and supplied by:
- Verbal enquiry.
- Viewing and reading the available information in a prescribed location.
- Making available copies on paper or other electronic format.
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| 14. How long will I have to wait to receive the information I have requested? |
| All requests will be acknowledged within seven (7) working days. If access is granted, documents will be made available to applicants within thirty (30) days. |
| 15. Can I have documents about me corrected? |
| Yes, provided they have been or are being used by the government body for an administrative purpose. |
| 16. How do I ask for these corrections about me to be done? |
| You apply by letter or on the prescribed application form, phone in, email or fax your request. |
| 17. What kinds of appeal do I have? |
The grounds on which you have the right to Appeal include:
- refusal of a grant of access
- the grant of access to only some of the documents requested
- deferral of the grant of access
- refusal to amend or annotate a personal record
- the charging of, or amount of a fee
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| 18. What are the Offences and Penalties under the Act? |
Under the Act, a Government employee commits an offence if:
- he alters or defaces, blocks or erases, destroys or conceals an official document to which the public has a right of access, with the intention of preventing its disclosure.
- A fine of a maximum of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000.00) or six (6) months imprisonment or both are applicable.
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