Right to Know Week 2017 Focused on Public Participation in Access to Information
Release Date:
Thursday, September 28, 2017
Jamaica observes Right to Know Week 2017 from Sunday September 24 to Friday September 29, 2017. The week is being held under the theme: Access to Information—Participation for National Transformation.
The country also joins the global community in celebrating Right to Know Day on September 28.
“Both occasions are geared at highlighting the importance of the Access to Information Act as a critical tool for transparency and public accountability,” explains Tomica Daley, Acting Director of the Access to Information Unit, Office of the Prime Minister.
Mrs. Daley added that this year’s theme is aimed at encouraging greater public participation in utilising the Access to Information Act 2002, which gives persons the right to access, non-exempt documents held by public authorities.
“The Act has been widely used by the media and advocacy groups to request information regarding policy and operational matters of government,” she further stated.
She noted that during RTK Week, the Unit will be taking the opportunity to encourage more ordinary citizens, including students to get engaged with access to information by utilising the law to help transform Jamaica,” Mrs. Daley noted.
The highlight of the Week is the launch of the ATI Unit’s National High School Essay Competition 2017 and a training exercise for ATI responsible Officers.
Contact: ATI Unit: 968-8282/
Email: [email protected]