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Politics
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Thursday, 26 July 2012 02:30
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By Everton Barnes
Antigua St. John's - The proposed appointment of Alister Thomas as Information Commissioner that goes to parliament Friday for its approval, is part of a strategic move by Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer to stem the flow of information from government to the public.
That’s the view of the member for St Mary’s North, Molwyn Joseph, who told his Fire and Steel radio audience, that there is a steady flow of information from government departments to media outlets that is damaging the government’s image.
Joseph said this flow of information from the government has not only embarrassed the government, but it has also made the Freedom of Information Act, under which Thomas has been proposed to be appointed, irrelevant.
“The Prime Minister had no intention to implement this law, in my estimation, if he did, then he would not have waited eight years to fully operationalize the law. Why now, well let me tell you, the Freedom of Information Act has become irrelevant! After the people of Antigua and Barbuda realized that this government was never serious about transparency and accountability, and therefore, they will not voluntarily make information available, the people took matters into their own hands. So the people themselves started culling information out of the government, as many people in the government felt that it was their national duty to get information out to the public,” Joseph declared.
According to Joseph…programmes such as Fire and Steel have benefitted from this information flow and Spencer’s decision to appoint Thomas is nothing but an attempt to stem this information flow.
“You know when you have water coming down a hill and you try to stop it that the water will make its own way. That’s what happening now! Tell them it’s too late!” he declared.
Joseph said the flow of information has stunned the government and he gave reasons why the information is leaking from government sources. “The people of Antigua and Barbuda are witnessing the ravaging of the economy, the corruption and they feel they must do something about it,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Joseph is also questioning Thomas’ eligibility for the post as Information Commissioner. Quoting from the Act, Joseph noted that Section 35 (2) (b) states that someone holding a public office is disqualified from being appointed to the position. Thomas currently holds the position of
chairman of the Education Review Tribunal, a position to which he was appointed earlier this year under the Education Act.
Joseph made reference to Section 35 (2) (e) which bars anyone who ‘holds office in, or is an employee of, a political party or is a political activist’ from appointment as Information Commissioner. He said Thomas’ past political activism makes him unsuited for the job. He said he plans to raise these issues when the matter comes up in parliament.
For his part, Thomas had confirmed his appointment to the chairmanship of the Education Review Tribunal, but said that he had ceased political activism for over a year. He also denied that he currently serves as a close adviser to Prime Minister Spencer. He said he has worked under both ALP and UPP Administrations and that he is a strong opponent of partisanship. He added that he firmly believes that the Caribbean needs to make use of the best talents available and for this reason, he is prepared to make a national contribution to nation building.
Freedom of Information Section 35

26 Comments In This Article
RE: Spencer Wants to Stem Information Flow - Joseph
Janet
anu - the game is a foot
..
tenman
RE: Spencer Wants to Stem Information Flow - Joseph
TC
RE: Spencer Wants to Stem Information Flow - Joseph
Concern Antiguan
Dadliman - Political Activism is just a job
Observer Overseas
@ Tenman
Anu
@ Tenman - From Mas to Hon Cairman/Commiss ioner/Minister To Community Protector!
Tenman, Quote:Glad beyond reason to see that you have seen the Light on this. Youths, please read ANTIGUA THROUGH MY EYES: An Autobiography by Keeethley Ivor Heath. Nation Building requires RWE as fnpsr, morris, skewill say. Respect!
John French II
@ Cool Ruler
Anu
@ tenman
The ambassador I can understand, but never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that Alister would sink so low. The people who supported him over the years must be so proud of this ex-Political Activist.
DadliMan
Dadliman - tell me it aint so
..
tenman
public office
..
tenman
RE: Spencer Wants to Stem Information Flow - Joseph
Cool Ruler
RE: Spencer Wants to Stem Information Flow - Joseph
Howabout updating us on the Extradition of Leroy King, that would be good for a laugh
Spin Doctor
RE: Spencer Wants to Stem Information Flow - Joseph
[urlhttp://www.mondaq.com/x/184790/Human+Rights/The+Death+Of+Free+Speech&email_access=on
Reality
RE: Spencer Wants to Stem Information Flow - Joseph
As for that verbose individual called Malwin Joseph who is just full of himself, if his sources are feeding him all this information, how come they have not feed him the smoking gun if it exist regarding the power plant despite months of being on his soap box hollowing corruption in the matter.
Cool Ruler
RE: Spencer Wants to Stem Information Flow - Joseph
HC
A xxaux
If he so wants to give National Srrvice, let him work for FREE and give up the 3 big salaries and Governemt car and perks.
Dr. Dredd
Where is THE Gaston/Asot.Com bo''''
They are so jealous over the Fearless Leadership qualities M.P Joseph has shown ,why don't they take up one of the many corrupe issues that the Govt inflicted upon the people and show there colors????????? ???
T.C.Rogers
RE: Spencer Wants to Stem Information Flow - Joseph
Dennis Brown
@ tenman
DadliMan
RE: Spencer Wants to Stem Information Flow - Joseph
Anonymous
@ Lester B
Stay as long as you can so UPP can win more easily...you must think of yourself first at all times! The Party and the Country are less important to you!
If this wasn't true, it would be very funny!
Jackie Spense
The Chairman & The Critic Who Roared!
Read Crusoe and if you are not prepared to Muntiny, then you deserve the Masqueraders.
Heaven Help The Nation Of Antigua & Barbuda including the guano, grung ghouls and boobies on Redonda!
John French II
Bad Egg
Toonuff
Tickle Me & Tell Me I Am Dreaming! PT5 (2011-12-02)
John French II
Tickle Me & Tell Me I Am Dreaming! PT4 (2011-12-02)
John French II
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