Providenciales, 15 Sept 2015 – The Turks and Caicos is another step closer to a Freedom of Information Ordinance, after the Opposition Leader saw her motion pass through the House of Assembly with majority support on Monday.
There was contentious debate on the motive for the Freedom of Information or FOI motion; the readiness of the TCI with human and other resources to support an actual FOI ordinance; argument that a Freedom of Information law was not a part of the PNP Manifesto promise, said the Premier; that the FOI would further weigh down the PNP Administration’s legislative agenda and a reminder about the constitutional responsibility to have the law, at some point, enacted.
The governor’s appointed member female, Hon Lillian Missick chided the governing side for what she called, ‘emotional’ comments about the Motion brought, explaining that the TCI parliament is constitutionally obligated to establish the law so, in her view, there was no need for the hot rejection of the idea.
Hon. Missick admits she would like to see first, that the country has the infrastructure to support the demands for information she believes the legislation will create. There were three abstentions including the Premier; six nay votes including most of the PNP frontbenchers, who voted ‘no’ and nine Members voted ‘yes’ to push the motion forward. All PDM members and the Governor’s female member voted in favor of drafting legislation for a Freedom of Information Ordinance.
