ICO marking Right to Know Week
The Information Commissioner’s Office is highlighting the power available under the island’s Public Access to Information legislation this week.
It leads up to the island’s ninth annual commemoration of International Right to Know Day on Thursday.
Gitanjali Gutierrez, the Information Commissioner, said: “The power of the Pati Act starts with you, each Bermudian and resident.
“Each time you make a Pati request for access to public records, each time you review government contracts details that are published on the Government’s official gazette, each time you ask for an independent review from the Information Commissioner, your actions are powerful catalysts for change.
“By exercising your Pati rights, you can lead the change that you wish to see.”
Ms Gutierrez added: “It is your right to ask. I commend members of the public who have bravely exercised their right to know and have used the disclosures given to them.
“Right to Know Week is a celebration of your right to know.”
This year’s theme is: “Start. Lead. Change. Use the Pati Act.”
The ICO will launch a blog on its website giving “engaging, informative and practical Pati related information”, she said.
“We encourage the public to use it as they exercise their Pati rights.
“Our hope is that it serves as an invaluable tool that is ready at your fingertips.”
Yesterday Ms Gutierrez will take to the airwaves at 8.15am on the Power FM Morning Show, discussing this year’s themes and explaining how the public can use their Pati rights to lead the changes they wish to see in our community.
On Thursday, with the launch of the blog, the commissioner will call on the public to take “a fresh look at your Pati rights”.
Content will include Pati insights, practical resources and ICO news and updates.
Ms Gutierrez will also give an online interview with the Daily Hour at 8am.
At noon, the Information Commissioner’s Right to Know Day Declaration video will be released on the ICO website as well as the office’s YouTube, Facebook and Instagram pages.
From 11am to 2pm, the ICO will host pop‐up booths in front of City Hall in Hamilton and at the Marketplace supermarket on Church Street.
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