The Government is defending proposed changes to how public information is published under the Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2026.
Planning Minister Dr Kennedy Swaratsingh says the changes do not remove newspapers from the process but would give public authorities an additional avenue to reach citizens.
Speaking in the House of Representatives on Wednesday, the Minister addressed what he described as misconceptions being spewed and published, and assured that the Bill will continue to ensure transparency, accountability and equal access to information.
“In this government’s quest to be accountable to the public, we are adding the option of another avenue for access. To correct where some may attempt to propagate, this government is not taking newspapers or media houses out of the equation. Public authorities would still be required to publish information in the Gazette, while the second method of publication could either be a daily newspaper or publicly accessible website.”
Claxton Bay MP Hansen Narinesingh challenged the belief that digital publication may be less effective, while newspaper publication will create greater awareness.
“That criticism assumes that publication in a newspaper necessarily means that information has been seen, read and understood, but Madame Deputy Speaker, publication, and public awareness are not the same thing, a notice appearing on a particular day does not guarantee that the average citizen will see it.”
Backing the argument being put forward was Member of Parliament for Cumuto/Manzanilla, Shivanna Sam, who highlighted that the proposed methods of accessing information can lead to greater engagement from young citizens and will not only benefit journalists, lawyers or politicians.
“If we want future generations to participate responsibly, we must modernise the legislation. We must adapt in order to give reliable sources and teach our young people how public decisions can be examined.”
The Government says the proposed changes are intended to modernise how information is made available while maintaining the public’s access to it.