Open Records Laws › Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Kitts and Nevis

The Freedom of Information Act

The Freedom of Information Act, 2018 (No. 6 of 2018)

RTI Rating: 116 (source)

Response Timeline

Initial Response
21 days
Extension
21 days
Residency Required
None

21 calendar days from receipt of request. Extension of up to 21 additional days for large volume of records or consultation requirements. Requester must be notified of extension with reasons. Act amended in 2024 to enhance operational efficiency and transparency.

How to Submit a Request

Accepted Methods

  • {'notes': 'Written request to information officer of public body', 'method': 'written'}
  • {'notes': 'Electronic submission accepted', 'method': 'electronic'}
  • {'notes': 'Oral requests accepted for those unable to submit in writing', 'method': 'oral'}

Requests to designated information officer of public body. Every person has right to freedom of information, subject to Act provisions. Act recently amended (2024) to codify key improvements. Officials must assist requesters.

Required Elements

  • Contact details of requester
  • Description of information sought
  • Preferred form of access

Fees

No fee to submit request or inspect records. Reproduction fees prescribed by regulations. Fees must be reasonable and not obstruct access to information.

Fee Waivers

  • Fees waived if disclosure is in public interest

Exemptions

  • National Security
    Information affecting national security or defense
  • International Relations
    Information affecting international relations
  • Law Enforcement
    Information prejudicing law enforcement or legal proceedings
  • Personal Privacy
    Personal information constituting unreasonable invasion of privacy
  • Commercial Confidentiality
    Trade secrets and commercially confidential information
  • Cabinet Documents
    Cabinet documents and deliberations
  • Third-Party Information
    Information supplied by third parties in confidence

Exemptions subject to harm test and public interest override. Information disclosed if public interest in disclosure outweighs harm. Severability required: exempt portions redacted, remainder released.

Appeal Process

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Three-tier process: internal review, Information Commissioner, judicial review. Act amended in 2024 to enhance government operational efficiency and promote transparency. Commissioner has powers to review decisions and make determinations.

Sources & References