The Freedom of Information legislation that aims to allow public access to government bodies has not yet been tabled in the National Assembly.

Contrary to the report carried in the December 15 edition, Stabroek News understands that AFC MP Raphael Trotman deferred the first reading of the Bill (which was listed on the order paper for the December 14 sitting) in hopes of reaching a consensus among all the parties on the proposed laws. Without the support of the PPP/C, which controls a parliamentary majority, the legislation cannot be passed.

The so-called “sunshine legislation” is to create a right in every person to obtain access to official documents. It was originally tabled during the last parliamentary session, which was dissolved for the holding of general elections. Consequently, the Bill was resubmitted to the National Assembly.