Draft Freedom of Information Act, 2012 Released
The Government of the Virgin Islands has published the draft Freedom of Information Act, 2012 and opened it for public review and comment, marking a step toward greater transparency and public participation in governance. The draft is available as a PDF from the Government website and residents, organisations and businesses are invited to send feedback to the Premier's Office using the contact details in the government notice.
The Government of the Virgin Islands today announced the release of the draft Freedom of Information Act, 2012 and has made the document publicly available for review and comment. Officials said the move is intended to strengthen transparency, accountability and public participation in governance by giving the public a clear legal right to access official documents held by ministries, departments and public authorities, subject to defined exemptions.
The announcement and the attached draft were issued by the Premier’s Office and are posted on the Government of the Virgin Islands website. Permanent Secretary Carolyn Stoutt Igwe, speaking for the Premier's Office, said the legislation “is intended to provide the public with a clear legal right to access official documents held by government ministries, departments, and public authorities, subject to carefully defined exemptions that protect essential public interests, personal privacy, and national security.” She added that the Bill “also establishes systems and obligations to proactively publish key government information, promote sound record-keeping, and ensure timely responses to information requests.” The draft draws on work by the Law Reform Commission and, according to the Government, aligns with internationally recognised open-government principles while being tailored to the Virgin Islands’ constitutional and administrative framework.
Key elements set out in the draft include a general right of access to official government information without applicants needing to provide reasons for a request; the establishment of a Freedom of Information Unit to facilitate and support public access; clear timelines and duties on public authorities to assist applicants; specified exemptions balanced by a public-interest test; oversight and enforcement through the Complaints Commissioner; and measures to promote openness such as whistleblower protections and training for public officials.
The Government says the draft is intended to promote proactive disclosure by public bodies, strengthen record-keeping, and provide mechanisms to resolve disputes and protect whistleblowers. If enacted, the legislation would make it easier for journalists, community groups, businesses and individuals to access official records and appeal decisions through the Complaints Commissioner.
Members of the public, civil society organisations, the private sector and other stakeholders are invited to examine the draft and submit feedback to the Premier’s Office as part of a formal public consultation process. The draft is attached as a PDF in the government's release; for local enquiries the Premier’s Office information contact is Angela U Burns, Information Officer II (aburns@gov.vg), and the Government’s general contact lines include Phone: 1 (284) 468-3701 and WhatsApp: 1 (284) 468-9760.
For international media enquiries, the Government lists BVIGovernment@dgagroup.com. The Government said this initiative forms part of its wider commitment to good governance and the sustainable development of the Territory, aiming to ensure a well-informed, prosperous, cohesive and stable society.
Residents are encouraged to review the draft on the Government website and submit comments within the consultation period as outlined in the official notice.
Primary source: BVI Government