MONROVIA – Several information managers from government agencies and Ministries have benefited from a 10-week Diploma course in freedom of information. The course trained managers of information at public entities on the importance of utilizing the freedom of information act.
In partnership with the Carter center, and funding from the European Union, the training was implemented by the Liberia Institute for Public Administration (LIPA). The course is the first diploma course on the Liberia’s Freedom of Information Act enacted and signed into law September 16, 2010.
The organizers believe that the preparation of Public information officers and managers as front liners in promotion of the right of access to information serves as a guarantee of the fundamental human right of “everyone to seek, receive and impart information” as espoused in Article 19 of the universal declaration of human rights.
Participants were trained their responsibility for advancing the right of access to information; for while Government must assure the full and effective implementation and enforcement of the Freedom of information (FOI) Act.
Participants were also trained about their role to ensuring that the Public’s right to request, receive, reproduce and retain records and documents held by Public agencies and private entities performing Public functions or receiving public funding is upheld.
Making remarks on behalf of the Judiciary Branch of Government, Atty. Sandra K. Howard informed participants of their new responsibilities for advancing the right of access to information; for while government must assures the full and effective implementation and enforcement of the FOI act.
“The benefit of the Act including its value and significance to democratic governance to monitor government’s efforts and to use the law to ensure unfettered access to information. Additionally, by guaranteeing Citizens as well as residents searching for information the unfettered access to information in the possession of the various entities shall be seen and felt through interactions between you as trained FOI law officers and managers, and the Public in general.
“Your initiatives and efforts combined in the end will not only serve to encourage foreign investment, but ensure equity and fairness in government processes. This indeed is a Tall order but the challenge is yours, and we at the Judiciary believe that this opportunity guarantees you all meeting the responsibility heads on.”
Mr. Dorbor Jallah of the Carter center one of the sponsors of the training challenged participants to practice what they learned and also challenged supervisors of information managers at various government and Public entities to guarantee their officers the needed leadership support to ensure the effectiveness of the system.
“The success of this system is actually the strengthening of our democracy and the guarantee that peace can be sustain in our country so the impact is far reaching and it goes beyond individuals themselves for it protect the interest and continuous existence of our country as a body politics.
“These officers need the tools that they can use to do their work, we cannot have an information officer without an office space, a desk. The EU has done its part the other part is the implementation part and we need to play our respective part.”
The training brought together over 50 participants.