WHITEMAN... we are working towards our October 1 target date to implement phase one

THE first phase of the Access to Information Act is still on target for its October deadline, according to Information Minister Burchell Whiteman.

"We are working towards our October 1 target date to implement phase one," Whiteman said Friday at the opening of the Digital Transtec Records Management Seminar at the Knutsford Court Hotel in Kingston.

"We have a hard-working and effective unit, within the archives division of the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), working overtime to provide the co-ordination, direction and support," he added.

The Act is to be implemented in four stages and should enable the free flow of information from most Government ministries. Phase one covers operations within:

* the OPM

* the Cabinet Office;

* the Ministry of Finance and Planning; and

* the National Works Agency in the Ministry of Transport and Works.

The other three stages are still to be finalised.

The Act seeks to promote accountability and transparency by giving public access to official documents in government bodies, subject to exempt provisions.

The Act, passed last June, originally had an August implementation date. But the OPM said it needed more time to tie up a number of areas, including the training of civil servants.

The Act was passed even though there was strong opposition from several quarters.

The most recent criticism came in April by Canadian information policy consultant, Dr David Flaherty, who said that the legislation is full of loopholes which allow Government to effect exemptions when it sees fit. He also said the Act would require a significant change in the mindset of civil servants in order to be effective.

But on Friday, Whiteman contended that civil servants are willing to become transparent.

"The will in the ministries and agencies exists," he said. "Despite the stringencies of our budget, adherence to fiscal discipline preparation programmes are being supported."

One programme saw the training of some 400 civil servants over a three-month period, which ended in March.

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