Investigative reporters may not be able to make use of the Freedom of Information Act for some time, veteran journalist Patty Roker said.
While Island FM’s Mrs Roker said she is encouraged by the introduction of the Act, its effectiveness in facilitating access to information and its impact on the way government authorities interact with the press and the community, will not be determined for a while.
Mrs Roker said many questions will not be answered until the new law is in use, including how the Act will be implemented and function, and how it will be used by the public.
The changes made to the Bill by the Senate include:
* the Act will come into force on a date to be appointed by the minister, instead of July 1, 2012.
* only Bahamian citizens and residents will have the right of access.
* the Information Commissioner will now be the Data Protection Commissioner.
* the Official Secrets Act will override the Freedom Of Information Act.
