The Information Commissioner’s Office will host a panel discussion on Friday to celebrate ten years of public access to information in Bermuda.

The free event will also recognise the International Day for Universal Access to Information, which takes place on Sunday.

The panel discussion will include charity representatives, the Government and the media discussing how public access to information matters for environmental justice and housing.

Moderated by Arlene Brock, Bermuda’s first Ombudsman, the discussion will address opportunities and challenges in ensuring access to public information, combating disinformation and strengthening public trust.

Jason Outerbridge, the Information Commissioner, said: “Complex topics such as protecting Bermuda’s unique natural environment and tackling housing insecurity are top of mind for many in our community.

“Our aim is that this panel’s sharing of ideas, resources and experiences will raise awareness of the kinds of information that are publicly available and how that information can inform, inspire and empower anyone in our community to action.

“I thank each panel member and our moderator for agreeing to participate in this important public dialogue. We hope the public will join us in discussion, as we look at how being informed by accessing public information is essential as society contends with these very important issues.”

Mr Outerbridge will be joined on the panel by Denise Carey, executive director of the charity Home; Aaron Crichlow, founder of Bermuda is Love; Victoria Cordeiro, Director of the Department of Planning; Diane Elliot, Director of the Land Valuation Department, and Sarah Lagan, chief reporter at The Royal Gazette.

It will be held at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute between 5.30pm and 7pm.