Gov’t committed to free flow of information, says Reid
KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — Education, Youth and Information Minister, Senator Ruel Reid, says the Government is committed to the free flow of information to the public and to provide channels for citizens to openly share their views and concerns.
“As a Government, we are the servants of the people. We want to make sure that what we are doing is in the best interest of the people of Jamaica. We are not hiding information; we want to be very transparent,” he said.
The minister was addressing students and teachers at the launch of the Access to Information (ATI) Unit’s National High School Essay Competition at the Office of the Prime Minister in Kingston yesterday.
The competition, lunched in 2008, aims to help students to appreciate the value of the ATI Act as a research tool, and garner their interest in issues of national importance.
Reid hailed the initiative, noting that it provides an avenue for young people to become activists and participate constructively in the “fashioning of a peaceful and prosperous Jamaica”. He said the Government is focused on opening up avenues of progress for youth “who will take up the mantle of leadership in the country”.
“Our youth possess a wealth of knowledge, creativity and enthusiasm. That is why the Government views this cohort of the population as one that needs to be nurtured and instilled with the right skills and values to achieve their highest potential in order to be fully incorporated into national development plans,” he said.
Students are required to write a 1,600 to 1,800-word essay on either of the following topics: “The ATI Law Balances Rights and Promotes Responsible Access to Information”, or “How can members of the public use the Access to Information Act to help bring about transformation in the society?”.
The deadline for submissions is January 31, 2018. Entries should be sent to the Access to Information Unit, 5-9 South Odeon Avenue, Kingston 10; email ati@cwjamaica.com; or fax 926-9491.
The winner will receive $50,000 plus an ATI trophy; with $30,000 and an ATI trophy for second place; and $20,000 and trophy for third place.
