Public meetings planned for BVI Freedom of Information legislation reform

Thursday, February 12, 2004

ROAD TOWN, BVI: The British Virgin Islands Law Reform Commission (LRC), having initiated the process to introduce legislation on freedom of information (FOI) in the BVI, has planned several public meetings throughout the Territory as part of its ongoing efforts to receive feedback on the subject.

The main aim of the meetings is to obtain and record comments and perspectives relating to freedom of information legislation in the BVI from the widest possible cross section of residents in the Territory.

A spokesperson for the Commission said that meetings will be held on each of the main islands of Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke during the month of March.

At the moment, laws to govern freedom of information in the Territory are non-existent.

Following Government's approval for reform work to begin in this area, the Commission established a 12-member committee, which has been meeting regularly since November last year. 

The commencement of the process to introduce legislation on access to public information is in keeping with the work programme which the Commission outlined in 2002. Legislation in this area will allow greater access to official information held by public authorities, but there will be checks and balances, as is the norm in any democratic society.

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