Civil Society Pressures Government Over Non-Functioning of the Commissioner of Information’s Office
By Travis Chase | HGP Nightly News
It appears that Guyanese citizens may have to wait until after the upcoming general and regional elections for Commissioner of Information Charles Ramson Sr. to respond to outstanding queries and submit reports to Parliament.
Members of civil society have expressed frustration at the non-functioning of the office, which falls under the Office of the President. Critics argue that the lack of accountability undermines the Access to Information Act, which was designed to promote transparency.
PPP/C General Secretary and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo acknowledged these concerns, stating that improvements to the Commissioner’s office are listed in the party’s manifesto. He pointed to steps already taken in the oil and gas sector, where the government has published all signed agreements, environmental permits, production schedules, and major contracts in mining and forestry.
Jagdeo admitted, however, that Guyana’s access to information legislation needs strengthening. “We have to provide through that office. We have to strengthen that law and provide more information,” he said.
Civil society groups continue to call for legislative reforms to decentralize the access-to-information process, arguing that individual ministries should handle requests rather than relying on a single commissioner.
