St Kitts Parliament approves legislation regarding unauthorised disclosure of government information
Published:Tuesday | November 21, 2023 | 12:55 PM
BASSETERRE, St Kitts, CMC – Parliament in St Kitts has given the nod to legislation regarding the unauthorised disclosure of official information.
Attorney-General Garth Wilkin, who tabled the legislation, said it focuses on preventing leaks of sensitive government information as well as addressing a critical issue in the civil service, namely the unauthorised disclosure of sensitive government information.
The legislation establishes clear boundaries for government employees and contractors regarding the handling of confidential data, ensuring that such information is not stored in personal email accounts or disclosed outside the formal freedom of information process.
“This Bill represents a pivotal step in safeguarding the integrity of our government. In frank and plain language Madame Speaker, a culture has developed in our civil service where there is no respect for the confidentiality of sensitive government information and documents,” said Wilkin.
The government said the Unauthorized Disclosure of Official Information Bill, 2023, serves as a complementary piece to the Freedom of Information Act.
It said while the Freedom of Information Act provides public access to non-sensitive government information, the new Bill ensures that confidential, privileged, and sensitive data is protected from unauthorized leaks.
Wilkin said that the protection of sensitive government information is a standard practice not just locally but also globally.
It aligns St Kitts-Nevis with international best practices in safeguarding crucial state information.
The government said with the passage of the legislation, it has taken a significant step forward in reinforcing the legal framework surrounding the security and integrity of official information.
“It marks a pivotal moment in the nation's ongoing efforts to strengthen its governance structures,” the government added.
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