The Freedom of Information Law (“FOI Law”) came into force in the Cayman Islands on 5 January 2009 by order of the Governor. Five years on and the Information Commissioner has issued over 36 Hearing Decisions, more than 140 appeals have been handled by the Information Commissioner’s Office (“ICO”) and over 3000 FOI requests from the public have been officially logged by Information Managers across the 92 different public authorities that make up the Cayman Islands Government.

Mrs. Jennifer Dilbert, the country’s first Information Commissioner from 2009 to 2013, established the Information Commissioner’s Office, and with a small dedicated team, developed and implemented policies and procedures to ensure that the FOI Law is complied with, and its objectives are met.

The FOI Law’s requirements for transparency and proactive publication have gradually become accepted by public officials and public authorities. Five years after the FOI Law came into effect, FOI has become a way of life in the Public Sector and in the Cayman Islands at large, not least thanks to careful vigilance on the part of the Information Commissioner’s Office and a continuing programme of training and public education. As various Hearing Decisions have brought to light, some infringements continue to occur, but for the most part public authorities – and particularly the Information Managers in each entity – are trying their best to comply with the Law, to respond to requests on time, and to be more transparent and accountable.

Upon her retirement, Mrs. Dilbert stated, “I would like to thank all those who have assisted me with the establishment of an effective Freedom of Information Regime in the Cayman Islands. I can assure them, and the public in general, that both our Legislation and our operational systems meet or exceed international standards, and in my experience are among the best worldwide.” She went on to say, “The majority of Chief Officers, Heads of Departments and Statutory Boards have embraced FOI, and are ensuring that their entities are well placed to respond to requests and meet the requirements of the Law, including the proactive publishing of as much information as possible.”

The ICO extends sincere thanks to the Civil Service and successive Governments for their support, in particular the Information Managers, some of whom have been in this important role for the last five years. Through their attendance at the ICO’s training seminars, the Commissioner has had the opportunity of being involved with discussions with many of them, and witnessed first-hand their dedication to the sometimes difficult job of Information Manager