Access to Information Needed
“I believe that a guarantee of public access to government information is indispensable in the long run for any democratic society. If officials make public only what they want citizens to know, then publicity becomes a sham and accountability meaningless” – Sissela Bok, Swedish Philosopher.
On May 3rd, Barbados along with many across the globe celebrated World Press Freedom Day. This day seeks to bring awareness to the importance of a free press and freedom of speech. Although concerns about press freedom and free speech are not acute in Barbados, significant work must be done to improve access to and the sharing of information. These provisions are vital to matters of integrity, as they enable the public to detect instances where something is amiss in the affairs of government. In turn, this detection increases the likelihood that transgressors will be caught and ultimately held accountable.
Efforts at transparency
Due to Barbados’ current economic circumstances, the importance of information and transparency have not gone unnoticed. This is evidenced by the mandated Public Finance and Management Bill, that requires state-owned entities and commercial state-owned entities to provide mid-year reports, annual plans and engage in public meetings. Furthermore, at its own discretion, government has also made commitments to freedom of information.
Freedom of information act needed
Due to public assurances of such commitments, the legislative regimes that will govern the access to and the sharing of information should now be emphasised. Therefore, Barbados ought to prioritise a freedom of information act and open data legislation. Combined, these would permit legal and relatively unfettered access to information which the public should have the right to know. Such provisions are necessary as they enable various stakeholders such as the media and civil society to effectively investigate and scrutinise governing decisions, while keeping the public informed. In the absence of these provisions, Barbadians are routinely reliant upon external entities to obtain the details of their very own existence. As such, legal and administrative obstructions to information continue to be a smear on good governance and the character of Barbados’ democracy.
Decriminalising information
Furthermore, there have been long-standing critiques of barriers to the sharing of information. These barriers include libel and defamation laws which according to the president of the Association of Caribbean Media Works, Anika Kentish, are written to “criminalise expression and to threaten and intimidate journalist”. Furthermore, obstructions could be found within the Public Service Act that require public officers to make affirmations of secrecy, while the Standing Orders of Parliament prevent the premature publication of evidence before the report has been presented.
Although some access to and dissemination of information are permitted, there are regularly at the determination of oppositionist authorities and restrictive laws. Consequently, a culture of secrecy within government and the reluctance to make probing inquiries have manifested. Ultimately, it would be in government’s best interest to ensure sufficient public access to information, since in its absence, government runs the risk where secrecy is presumed to be impropriety.