Hoping for the best with FOI (Cayman Islands)

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Today's Editorial for January 5: Hoping for the best with FOI

Editor
Sunday 4th January, 2009 Posted: 16:54 CIT (21:54 GMT)


Today marks the first day we in the Cayman Islands can use the historic Freedom of Information Law.

In principle, FOI moves the Cayman Islands another step toward transparency in government, which is something most people in the public – and all of us in the media – would agree is a great thing.

However, before we start uncritically congratulating the government on a job well done, we must remember that any law is only as good as its interpretation, implementation and enforcement. Unfortunately, when it comes to the FOI Law, there are many ways the fine print of the law or uncooperative civil servants can mitigate its usefulness.

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