“Every support will be given to him,” Chief of Staff Lionel Max Hurst affirmed, as he outlined the responsibilities of the newly sworn-in Information Commissioner Anthony Athill during the post-cabinet press conference.
Hurst saidthe commissioner’s critical role in improving public access to government-held information and fostering transparency.
“The Information Commissioner will step into the shoes of private citizens and seek to acquire the information that is being sought after,” Hurst explained.
Acting as an intermediary between citizens and government ministries, the commissioner will ensure that requests for information are handled effectively and equitably.
Hurst emphasized the commissioner’s responsibility to maintain accountability through an annual report.
“There’s a reporting system that ensures that the Information Commissioner responds in a useful way to the requests of citizens,” he stated.
The report will include details on the number of requests received, the actions taken, and the outcomes, providing a transparent record of the commissioner’s work.
The role of the Information Commissioner is an essential component of the government’s efforts to promote openness. “He is a very important cog in this machine in which we seek transparency in governance,” Hurst remarked.
While sensitive files, such as personal records, will remain protected, the government remains committed to making most of its documents accessible to the public.
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