Senators Welcome Move To Modernise Freedom Of Information Law
The Senate debate on the Freedom of Information Amendment Bill is highlighting efforts to modernise access to government information.
Minister of Public Administration and Artificial Intelligence Dominic Smith defended the Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2026 in the Senate on Friday.
The amendment retains the requirement for publication in the Gazette; however, it provides that the public authority’s annual public statements may be published either in a daily newspaper circulating in Trinidad and Tobago or on a publicly accessible website.
Minister Smith argued that it reflects the Government’s ongoing digitisation efforts, noting that upon assuming office, it was evident that the public sector needed to embrace digitalisation and move away from its paper-based approach.
« Mr President, digitisation and digitalisation is not a new concept, and I must ask myself, knowing these facts, having this information readily available but failing to act on critical information, that has been the problem in our country over the last 10, 11 years. »
The Minister also pointed to a recently convened regional workshop on access to information organised by UNESCO, bringing together governments, media, civil society and partners to promote proactive disclosure, digital access and stronger transparency frameworks across Caribbean states.
« We’ve looked at Mr. President benchmarks provided by multilateral organisations of great repute. Mr President, we have looked at the data specific to issues of accessibility of data and information. Mr President, we have gone at length at describing the effort of a determined government about how we move our country into the next revolution of digital transformation. »
The proposed changes were welcomed by members of the Independent bench.
For Independent Senator Anthony Vieira SC, the amendment caters to the vast majority of persons who use technology.
« I see the proposed amendments as eminently sensible. When the Freedom of Information Act came into force in the year 2000, we were living in a very different environment at that time; the legislation naturally contemplated publication in the Gazette and the newspapers. Today, however, most people get information electronically. »
Also embracing this digitalisation thrust was Dr Marlene Attzs, though she stressed that digital archives must always be available and websites must always be maintained.
« I think it was I would like to describe as sensible modernisation, and I congratulate the Honourable Minister for piloting this amendment. »
The debate highlighted broad support for greater digital access to government information, while Senators stressed the need to ensure records remain available and accessible to the public.
