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Published: July 26. 2010 06:51AM

Campaigners praise passage of PATI bill

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By Sam Strangeways

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International transparency campaigners have praised Bermuda for doing the right thing and finally passing a freedom of information law.

Commentators who have followed the Island’s path toward a more open, accountable government said they were pleased the Public Access to Information (PATI) Act 2010 was approved unanimously by MPs in the House of Assembly on Friday night.

Charles Davis, executive director of the US-based National Freedom of Information Coalition, told The Royal Gazette: “This is a landmark day for government transparency in Bermuda, a day that citizens should remember forever.

“The playing field between the governed and the governors just became much more level, and the result will be better performance, more civic input and greater democratic involvement.

“Everybody wins here except for those who wish to do the public’s business in the dark.”

Toby Mendel, from the Centre for Law and Democracy in Canada, said the fact that the bill had the support of all three political parties was very promising. “It shows that there is a wide base of support for it and that augurs well for the challenging task ahead. That support is really, really important to make sure that it has a good chance of success at the implementation stage.”

Mr. Mendel, who analysed the draft legislation when it was first released last year and made a submission to Government, said the final version appeared to be “a very, very strong draft”.

He added: “I think that for citizens it will be a fantastic tool and it should open up things in all kinds of ways. It will be a tool that will be used by a lot of different people.”

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FULL ARTICLE: http://www.royalgazette.com/rg/Article/article.jsp?articleId=7da7d2730030025§ionId=60