The Access to Information Act 2002 is the legislation enacted by the government of Jamaica to grant the right of access to records in the custody of Government Ministries, Agencies, Departments and Public bodies, to groups, organizations and the ordinary Jamaican citizen.
This act aims to promote transparency, government accountability and public participation in national decision-making. The Access To Information Unit, however, makes exceptions for documents and information which fall under certain categories which are designated by the Act as exempt and therefore not open to public scrutiny. The provisions of the Access to Information Act were implemented on a phased basis which began in January 2004 and culminated on July 5, 2005 with all government Ministries, Agencies and public bodies implementing the act.
