Perspective: Data Protection Act … Prescription For Dictatorship In Jamaica …

The data protection act is an assault on all media usage entities in Jamaica bit in particular the news media.  Why would any government committed to free speech and a free press, the life blood of any and every democracy ever conceive such a restrictive piece of legislation which could suppress if not kill the media.

Despots

The societies like Norh Korea where free speech is severely curtailed you would naturally expect such a piece of legislation.  Free speech must be suppressed in such societies as freedom of expression threaten their strange way of life.  In such societies ruled by despots corruption is almost if not a way of life and the public’s right to know is outlawed.  There would be no Contractor General nor an integrity Commission.  The Auditor General if such a person exists, would likely not report their findings publicly. Not at all!  Whatever the big man or despot says or wants to do is the law and must be obeyed or else.

Free Press

In the absence of a free and unfettered press the above scenario would find fertile ground.  Is this what Dr. Andrew Wheatley  et al wants to achieve by his Data Protection Act?

Widespread Objections

It is not only media entities who have expressed serious reservations regarding the now proposed Data Protection Act.  The Financial Investigation Division (FID) has strong reservations about this Data Protection Act. Information received by the FID in the process of an investigation could be leaked if the FID has to report to or get permission from  or to obtain permission from a Data Controller.  The Press Association Of Jamaica (PAJ) And Media Association Of Jamaica (MAJ) have expressed strong objections to the Data Protection Act.

Freedom Of Speech

Under the Charter of Rights there is freedom of speech provisions, yes,  this may be enshrined in our Jamaican constitution but it is not deeply entrenched in our constitution.

Trevor Forrest

Mr. Trevor Forrest, consultant to the Minister of Technology has asked the media fraternity to try “To strike a balance between the right of the public to know and the protection of the Data of individuals … to ask for wholesale exemption is not the way to go”

Dr. Andrew Wheatley

The Technology minister  Dr. Wheatley struck a note of concession by saying there is room for discussion.

We hope the Data Protection Act will be revisited with a view to ensuring that it will meet the  conditions being asked for by the media entities.

We hope our assessment of the Data Protection Act by us is misplaced.  If we are wrong … to God be the Glory.  We hope this Act will not open the door to dictatorship. Will it?

What is your perspective? This is ours.

Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie is Senior International Correspondent & Photojournalist for Vision Newspaper Canada.