BY: MARVIN CATO | HGP NIGHTLY NEWS |
The ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government was noticeably absent on Wednesday as the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) held a crucial hearing examining Guyana’s dysfunctional Freedom of Information (FOI) system.
The hearing, held in Miami and livestreamed globally, featured presentations from prominent civil society advocates, including attorney-at-law Christopher Ram, activists Deon McCallister Radzik and Vanda Radzik, and newspaper columnist GHK Lall—who also delivered remarks on behalf of Anand Goolsarran and Alfred Bhulai.
Advocates Highlight Persistent Failures in Access to Information
Each presenter echoed the same concern: the Minister of Information’s persistent refusal to release public information or even acknowledge receipt of FOI requests.
Although the Access to Information Act has been in effect since 2011, advocates say its intent and mechanisms have been chronically ignored.
For years, civil society groups have appealed to the sitting government—through letters and protests—for meaningful reform, but change has yet to materialize.
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo previously promised improvements if his administration was re-elected. However, since returning to office, advocates say the government has been “deafeningly silent” on the issue. Their absence at Wednesday’s IACHR session only deepened those concerns.
IACHR Notes Barriers, Delays, and Democratic Risks
In a statement on its official platform, the IACHR said civil society organizations reported persistent and systemic barriers to accessing public information in Guyana, including:
- Lengthy delays
- Poor implementation of the FOI law
- Minimal transparency in the Commissioner of Information’s Office
- Obstacles that threaten civic engagement and democratic stability
The Commission warned that such deficiencies could contribute to a broader civic and democratic crisis.
Caribbean Transparency Bodies Voice Concerns
Prominent regional transparency groups, including the Transparency Institute of Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica’s National Integrity Action, expressed strong support for Guyana’s civil society campaign demanding accountability.
They commended the sustained, peaceful efforts by journalists, MPs, trade unions, and concerned citizens who have highlighted chronic non-compliance by the Office of the Commissioner of Information.
These groups also expressed grave concern over the Guyanese government’s failure to engage civil society on this constitutional issue meaningfully.
Undermining Rule of Law and Public Trust
According to these organizations, the documented lack of:
- Public reporting
- Operational transparency
- Responsiveness
within the Commissioner’s office violates both the letter and spirit of the Access to Information Act. They warned that these failures undermine the rule of law and erode public confidence in democratic institutions.
IACHR “Regrets” Guyana’s Absence
The Commission issued a formal statement expressing regret that the Government of Guyana did not participate in the hearing.
It reaffirmed that access to public information is:
- A basic democratic right
- Essential for public participation
- Critical for the proper functioning of a democratic state
The IACHR pledged to keep Guyana’s FOI situation on the regional and international agenda.
