The Federal Parliament of St. Kitts and Nevis has passed the Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill, incorporating significant changes aimed at enhancing governmental transparency and operational efficiency. This amendment introduces new mechanisms allowing the public and the press to access non-confidential government information while safeguarding national security, commercial interests, and public health.
According to Attorney General and Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs, Garth Wilkin, the bill stipulates that governmental bodies can refuse to disclose information that falls within specific protected categories. Furthermore, the legislation establishes the role of the Information Commissioner, a position to be served by either the Ombudsman or the Special Prosecutor. The Commissioner will supervise the access process, handle complaints, conduct investigations, develop policies, and report to the national assembly. This role is designed to be held for a three-year term, renewable twice.
As highlighted by AG Wilkin, there are plans for the current Acting Ombudsman, Reverend Bishop Cyprian Williams, to take on this dual role. The intention is to leverage the overlapping responsibilities of these roles for budgetary efficiency.
Additionally, the recently passed Ombudsman (Amendment) Bill revises the remuneration and tenure of the Ombudsman in line with the country’s good governance framework, of which the Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill is a crucial component.
The Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill had its first reading on February 22, 2024. Following its passage during the second reading, it is expected to be read a third time before being sent to the Governor General for assent and then published in the Gazette, thus becoming law. For more details, you can refer to the original report.