The following press release is the only information provided to The Royal Gazette by the Ombudsman on her investigation into Bermuda Archives:

Hamilton, Bermuda (November 12, 2008): Today the Ombudsman for Bermuda, Arlene Brock, announced that her office will be conducting a systemic investigation into allegations of arbitrary barriers to access to information held in the Bermuda Archives.

The Ombudsman for Bermuda has received five complaints from individuals residing both in Bermuda and overseas.

Allegations include unreasonable delays and other difficulties in gaining access to archival materials.

It is claimed that, as a consequence, research is stymied and also potential donors are reluctant to contribute material of national interest to the Archives.

Ms Brock emphasised that she had come to no conclusion whatsoever.

After information is gathered and analysed, she will make recommendations as she sees fit.

Ms Brock stressed that her "focus is not on finding fault, but to make recommendations, if needed, that will assist the Bermuda Archives to fulfil its mission to ensure that citizens' rights to public information are protected".

The Ombudsman is encouraged by the promise of co-operation with the investigation that she has received from the Bermuda Archives.

In order to ensure that the investigation is as thorough and as objective as possible, the Ombudsman for Bermuda is asking anyone with relevant information to contact her as soon as possible.

Private interviews will be conducted in person or by telephone as appropriate.

Ms Brock emphasised that all information will be treated in the strictest confidence.

The Office of the Ombudsman for Bermuda can be reached at 14 Dundonald St., Suite 102, Hamilton HM 09; tel: 441-296-6541; fax: 441-296-7734; info@ombudsman.bm.