The Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) has expressed outrage at what it says is the gross negligence of the Government and, in particular, Senator Dr Dana Morris Dixon, the minister responsible for information, regarding the ongoing paralysis of the Access to Information (ATI) Tribunal.

The PNP noted that for more than six months, the tribunal — crucial to protecting the public’s right to access Government-held information — has been inactive.

“This dereliction of duty represents a serious violation of Jamaicans’ constitutional rights,” said the PNP in a release on Friday.

“It is absolutely unacceptable that between 20 to 30 appeals remain unresolved, leaving citizens in a legal void, denying them the right to challenge government ministries, departments, and agencies for withholding information.

“The ATI Act was created to safeguard the public’s right to access official documents, promote openness and transparency, and hold the government accountable. The continued inaction by this administration shows a flagrant disregard for these principles and exposes their contempt for the very idea of government accountability,” added the PNP.

It pointed to a story published in The Gleaner on Friday in which attorney-at-law Andre Earle, King’s Counsel, highlighted the infringement of his client’s rights, and charged that the Government’s failure to act is an appalling breach of duty.

“Despite repeated letters and calls for action, Senator Morris Dixon has not appointed the legally mandated tribunal, nor has she provided any explanation to the public or those affected by this administrative breakdown. This is not mere oversight, it is incompetence and blatant neglect of a fundamental public responsibility,” said the PNP.

The Opposition condemned the minister’s failure to uphold her role and called on the Government to stop hiding behind bureaucracy and excuses.

“This is not just about administrative failure; it is about a deliberate undermining of the public’s right to information,” said the PNP.

According to the Opposition, it is demanding the following actions without delay:

1.Immediate appointment of a new ATI Tribunal: The Government must act now to restore the public’s access to justice and ensure that the nearly 30 appeals currently languishing are heard and resolved.

2.Public accountability from the Minister: Senator Dr Dana Morris Dixon must address the nation and provide a full explanation for this unconscionable delay, outlining how and when this failure will be corrected.

3.Protection of citizens’ rights under the ATI Act: We demand that public bodies be held accountable for obstructing access to information through unnecessary and excessive redactions, which frustrate the spirit and letter of the ATI law.

“The PNP finds it disgraceful that, with Right to Know Week fast approaching, the Government continues to fail in its duty to uphold the very rights it should be celebrating. This government’s commitment to transparency is nothing more than lip service, as demonstrated by their callous disregard for the basic rights of Jamaicans,” said the PNP.