Ashok Radhakissoon: "Towards a deepening of democracy"What is exactly a Freedom of Information Act? According to Mr. Ashok Radhakissoon is a law that gives all citizens and the press, the right of access to information found in the hands of public and quasi-public bodies. However, there are exceptions.
"The Freedom of Information Act will bring more transparency and accountability in the public service and all organizations which are financed from public funds," said the lawyer. Just as the Freedom of Information Act Indian, in force since 2002, it will create structures. "In India, there is an officer whose responsibility is to communicate to the public the information they want to have," said the lawyer.
However, Mr. Ashok Radhakissoon emphasizes that there are exceptions. All information may be disclosed. "The Freedom of Information Act must describe sensitive information that can not be disclosed. They may relate to the security of the State or may relate to personal data of people. "However, counsel argues that "everything about the management of state institutions must be in the public domain." He added that such a law and allow the public to access information that is considered confidential until now under the Official Secrets Act.
"With a Freedom of Information Act, the public would have access to the contract between Mauritius and China's Jin Fei project or contract between Mauritius and Singapore on the biometric identity card," he says. He added that even if the officer in charge of public disclosure will be appointed by the administration will require the incumbent to this position acts independently. Ashok Radhakissoon me advance a law that expands access to information can only be good for democracy. "An informed citizen can make an informed decision," he said.
The trade unionist Jack Bizlall: "The press is a guarantee of democracy"
The trade unionist Jack Bizlall for his part said: "In every election, political parties are full of proposals from, there is one on the press. SAJ is the last person to be able to make promises on press freedom. ""The press should be the fifth power of a Republic. I say to the press, but I think this should apply to all those who in some way shape public opinion including writers and artists.
A simple law is not sufficient to guarantee freedom of the press. The press must be covered by the Constitution, "says the latter. The union argues that no authority, including the police, should have access to the editor because the press is a sanctuary and a guarantee of democracy. Another important aspect highlighted by Jack Bizlall, a journalist should not be behind bars for his role as a journalist. "Only the Civil Code should be applied in case of sanction and not the criminal code," he said.
Amrish Oozageer : "More transparency in the public service"
Amrish Oozageer me too favorably welcomes the introduction of a Freedom of Information Act modeled on the Indian model. He believes that this law will bring more transparency in recruitment in the civil service. However, he expressed concern that this law became obsolete as soon as it is passed. "Access to information can only be good for democracy. A government is accountable to the people and every rupee spent should be made transparent. It is the same for recruitment in the public service, "said the lawyer.
But, Mr. Amrish Oozageer believes that the role and powers of the officer responsible for communicating information to the public are of the utmost importance. "We need this person to act independently and impartially and does not attempt to block information which can be damaging to the government of the day." Otherwise, warns me Amrish Oozageer, the Freedom of Information Act may fall into disuse when it enters into force.
The right to information elsewhere
Bangladesh
On 21 October 2008, the interim government of Bangladesh Gazette of Bangladesh on right to information based on the Freedom of Information Act 2005 Indian.
Belgium
Article 32 of the Constitution was amended in 1993 to include the right of access to documents held by the government.
France
In France, the duty of public servants to account is a constitutional right under the Bill of Rights of Man and of the Citizen. It establishes a general rule that citizens can request a copy of any official document (in paper, digital or otherwise).
Europe
For questions concerning the local, national and transboundary environment, the Aarhus Convention grants the public rights regarding access to information, public participation and access to justice in decision-making government.
Council of Europe
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe noted in 1996 that public access to clear and complete information about the Chernobyl disaster and many others, must be considered a fundamental human right.
United Kingdom
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 was implemented by the Labour government of Tony Blair. Ironically, it was later to express regret over the introduction of this law, saying that it hampers the ability of officials to deliberate with a reasonable level of privacy.
USA
In the United States, the Freedom of Information Act was enacted on July 4 1966 The Electronic Freedom of Information Act was subsequently amended by President Bill Clinton in 1996, the law applies only to federal agencies . However, all states have passed similar laws to information from state agencies and local government obligations.
