PNP calls for appointment of ATI Tribunal
Published:Friday | September 13, 2024 | 2:03 PM
The Opposition People's National Party (PNP) is demanding that the Government moves to immediate appointment of a new Access to Information (ATI) Tribunal.
The five-year term of the last tribunal ended more than six months ago.
This has hampered appeals filed by members of the public who were denied access to information by government agencies or public bodies.
Attorney-at-law Andre Earle, KC, is claiming that the rights of one of his clients, who is challenging such a decision, are being significantly infringed.
The Gleaner has been reliably informed that there are nearly 20 appeals now in limbo without a panel to hear them.
Despite three letters written to Information Minister Senator Dr Dana Morris Dixon informing her that there was no panel in place since February, Earle told The Gleaner that to date, he is not aware of any new appointments.
“We are prepared to go to court to seek leave for an order to compel the minister to carry out her job,” Earle said.
READ: Former chair rips Gov't over lacklustre effort to appoint new ATI appeals panel
Reacting, the opposition has charged that “This dereliction of duty represents a serious violation of Jamaicans' constitutional rights.”
Opposition Spokesperson on Information, Nekeisha Burchell, asserted that it is unacceptable that appeals remain unresolved, leaving Jamaicans in a legal void, denying them the right to challenge government ministries, departments, and agencies for withholding information.
“The ATI Act was created to safeguard the public's right to access official documents, promote openness and transparency, and hold the government accountable. The continued inaction by this administration shows a flagrant disregard for these principles and exposes their contempt for the very idea of government accountability,” she argued.
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