Premier Michael Dunkley called Public Access to Information (PATI) legislation set to be debated tomorrow as a “big step” towards a more open, accessible and accountable Government.

In a statement this afternoon, Mr Dunkley said: “Tomorrow, I will lead debate for the passage of Public Access to Information Regulations that will create the infrastructure allowing people to ask questions and get answers from the public sector. The passage of PATI will allow Bermuda to join the front rank of the world’s democracies; so all Bermudians can take pride in the fact that we are taking this great step forward.

“The Act and its implementation have been a long time coming, and perhaps that is a reflection of how difficult PATI has been to create. But I am very pleased that it has fallen to this Government to bring the Act and its regulations into operation. The target, once the legislation and regulations are passed, is to have PATI fully operational by April 2015.

“At the heart of PATI is acknowledgment that the most important person in the political system is the voter. In a truly democratic system of government, voters are the brick that form the foundation of the system. Governing begins with them and ends with them.”

Mr Dunkley said the legislation will require a change of mindset for public authorities throughout the Government.

“What used to be squirrelled away in a file somewhere, maybe never to be seen again, is, with some legislated exceptions, going to be available to anyone who wants it,” he said. “That’s because we as a Country acknowledge that people can and should know what officials are doing on their behalf, and about the reasons decisions are made. Journalists will be able to use access to better inform the public. The Police will use it to help in the fight against crime, perhaps especially the new kinds of web-based crime that are becoming so prevalent.”

He said PATI legislation will also aid education, giving students teachers and researchers easier access to information, and in other jurisdictions the legislation has led to greater scrutiny of decisions, improved quality in written material and better preparations of submissions.

“The new PATI regime will change the relationship between people and their government, conferring more power on the individual than ever before, and requiring greater levels of government accountability than ever before,” Mr Dunkley added.

“It’s going to work for the benefit of Bermuda and Bermudians in untold ways — broadening understanding and confidence in the way we do business as a country. I am proud and pleased to make it finally happen.”