Jamaica

Name of law: The Access to Information Act
First adopted: 2002
Last modified: n/a
RTI Rating last updated: n/a

Introduction

The chief problem areas within Jamaica's legal framework are its limited promotional measures and a lack of sufficient guarantees for the independence of the oversight body. Overly broad exceptions, confusion over whether the information act trumps Jamaica's Official Secrets Act and the limited nature of the public interest override are also problematic, as is the blanket exclusion of the armed forces, police and Governor General. However, we welcome the passage of the Protected Disclosures Act, which will provide protection for whistleblowers.