Continued thwarting of access to information

Oct 21, 2026 Editorial, News

(Kaieteur News) – From English Literature, the world was gifted, “the law is an ass.” Considering what is happening to citizens petitioning Guyana’s Office of Access to Information, it could be said that the law is being made into an ass, a complete one. What emanates from that office is no less than shocking, with the sting of being insulting. Still more shocking is the reaction of Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali, as though access to information does not matter that much, is not worth his intervention.

The law is clear. Citizens who petition in the proper form and manner for information from the Office of the Commissioner of Access to Information have a right to that information. Once the information is not in a prohibited category, there is a duty to deliver what is requested. Citizens have tried impressing that on the commissioner of information. They have not received much of anything, other than the commissioner attempts at being funny that have provoked anger more than humour. A judge issued a ruling, which compels the release of information, pursuant to the provisions in law. The commissioner has not changed his attitude (no to many information requests), has not changed his position (no, despite the order of a judge), and has not changed his