Dear Editor,
Alfred Bhulai’s letter in S.N of Wed 4th May referring to my Office, to wit, “The well known practical uselessness of the Office of the Commissioner of Information under the ATIA is too painful to repeat” has been drawn to my attention. Uninformed criticism has no place in an environment predicated on a democratic polity. Put another way, President M.I. Ali in his address at the World Press Freedom Day Event, declared that he is open to constructive criticism but added that he is very frank and “would tell you as it is.” Contrary to propaganda, the office of which I am the locum tenens is one of State, not Gov’t, so declared by Judges of our Supreme Court during the APNU-AFC Administration. I am therefore bound to act within its parameters and, since my appointment not employment, in 2013, I have with compunction, executed my obligations thereunder to the public with equanimity.
Therefore, until such time that I am lawfully relieved of this appointment, I will continue to serve all the people of Guyana without fear or favour, my malefactors, current or potential notwithstanding, some of whom have am convinced, but comforted, beyond a shadow of doubt, that spumed my outreaches with respect to a true perspective of the contours of the Access to Information Act 2011, not the Freedom of Information Act as some equally prominent naysayers have advanced. More significantly also, is the announcement of the impended creation of a Guyana Media and Communications Academy. If ever the Academy Minister contacts the Commissioner of Information for his contribution the public can rest assured that every effort will be made to provide his usual support for its efficacy to be attained. Much work indeed has to be done to remedy the media failures of late.
Sincerely,
Justice Charles .R. Ramson S.C.O.R
Commissioner of Information
