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 citizens. This Act aims to promote transparency, government accountability and public participation in national decision-making. Requests may also be made for information concerning individuals to be changed if it is incomplete, misleading or out of date.
However, exception is made 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. This started on January 2004, and culminated on July 5, 2005, with all government Ministries, Agencies and public bodies implementing the Act.
The Access to Information Unit was formed to spearhead and guide the implementation and administration of the Access to Information Act, 2002. The Unit falls under the Office of the Prime Minister