While Bermuda continues to fart around, Cayman Islands have moved to the next stage of implementing “freedom of information” (FOI).
You may recall that - after Bermuda announced that it would pursue PATI - Cayman picked up the cause, drafted legislation and sought input from international experts such as the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative, then revised and passed the law late last year. They then hired an experienced FOI officer to lead the implementation. They will activate the law in January 2009, and have published a plan [pdf] to ensure that government is ready and the public understands their rights.
They have now published their proposed FOI regulations [pdf] for public input, which lay out the process and standards as well as the government bodies included under the law. Notably, they have included Government committees as well as “quangos” for inclusion in the transparency law. Their effort shows earnest commitment by seeking public input and providing transparency on their approach even before it’s required by the law.
To the contrary, the Bermuda Government claims it supports FOI, but shrouds the whole issue in secrecy and resentment. That’s a damning indictment.