Information Commissioner Gitanjali Gutierrez delivered her Declaration for International Right to Know Day this morning at City Hall to launch Right to Know Week in Bermuda.

International Right to Know Day was established on 28th September 2002, by campaigners around the world to mark the creation of the Freedom of Information Advocates Network.

Since then, on the 28th of September each year, Information Commissioners, advocates, human rights organisations, the media, public bodies, and the public gather to celebrate the right to access information and the principles of openness, accountability and transparency.

Our theme this year in Bermuda is “I Want to Know!”.

We are celebrating Pati requesters who embrace the rights and benefits of the Public Access to Information Act (Pati Act). Pati requesters are individuals who use their Pati rights to be informed, included and involved members of society.

The Commissioner’s Declaration for International Right to Know Day called for the recognition and support of the right to access public information in Bermuda through the Pati Act, as it is a catalyst for good governance, democracy, trust and inclusive growth.

The Declaration reinforced the fact that the right to information is instrumental to the realisation of people’s empowerment and for promoting the equality of all groups in society. The Commissioner stated through this declaration that the implementation of access to public information in Bermuda signifies a cultural shift towards greater openness, accountability, and public engagement.

The Commissioner’s Declaration invited all public authorities to celebrate International Right to Know Day in a manner that each considers most appropriate and encouraged Bermudians and residents of Bermuda to embrace their rights under the Public Access to Information Act 2010 and remain informed, included, and involved members of the community.

Deputy Governor Ms. Alison Crocket, the Minister of Health the Hon. Kim N. Wilson on behalf of the Hon. Premier, and the Leader of the Opposition the Hon. Craig Cannonier officially received the Declaration from the Information Commissioner.

The Information Commissioner’s Office will be holding a series of public events over this week and into next week to celebrate International Right to Know Day:

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 24

Media Day with the Information Commissioner

? Radio Interview on Vibe 103FM Morning Rush, 8:00am

? Radio Interview on Magic 102.7FM with Sherri Simmons, 11:30am

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 25 **RESCHEDULED** - WEDNESDAY, 2 OCTOBER

Panel Discussion

“I Want to Know!” Embracing the Benefits of the Pati Act

A free panel that brings together Pati requesters, information officers and the Information Commissioner to discuss the benefits of embracing public access to information and its importance for Bermuda. Light refreshments will be served.

Bermuda National Gallery

6:00pm — 7:30pm

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 26

“I Want to Know!” ICO Information Booth

11:00AM — 2:00pm

Washington Mall, Hamilton, Reid Street Level

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 27

Information Officer’s Appreciation Reception

(by invite only)

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 28

INTERNATIONAL RIGHT TO KNOW DAY

ICO Pop Up

Lindo’s Warwick & Devonshire

Marketplace Hamilton, Shelly Bay & Somerset

12:00-2:00pm

*Press release issued by the Information Commissioner’s Office.