HON. KONRIS MAYNARD: “DON’T GET YOUR HOPES UP” OVER THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION BILL

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (KYSS FM) – With many across the Federation pleased with the knowledge that Freedom of Information legislation has been enacted, Hon. Konris Maynard is cautioning that persons should not get their hopes up.

The Freedom of Information Bill went before the National Assembly last Thursday, May 3rd 2018. It first came before the House in September 2015 shortly after the Team Unity Administration took power.

In principle, the newly passed legislation will allow for any member of the public to apply for most non-restricted government information through the Information Commissioner.

Recently however, at a St. Kitts Nevis Labour Party organised public meeting, Mr. Maynard voiced his concerns about the Freedom of Information Act, which was tabled by Attorney General, Hon. Vincent Byron.

Not only will the legislation take a long time to be fully implements, but the bill presented last week as proposed by the government, with recent amendments, will restrict the public’s access to even more information.