Request for Access to Official Documents
The Freedom of Information Act, 1999 (FOIA) was created to extend the right of members of the public to access information in the possession of public authorities by –
(a) making available to the public information about the operations of public authorities and, in particular, ensuring that the authorisations, policies, rules and practices affecting members of the public in their dealings with public authorities are readily available to persons affected by those authorisations, policies, rules and practices; and
(b) creating a general right of access to information in documentary form in the possession of public authorities limited only by exceptions and exemptions necessary for the protection of essential public interests and the private and business affairs of persons in respect of whom information is collected and held by public authorities.
HOW TO APPLY:
To request access to an official document held by the Ministry of National Security, a Freedom of Information – Request for Access to Official Document(s) Form should be downloaded, filled out, signed and submitted to the Ministry of National Security. However, kindly note that documents which are already in the public domain (readily available to members of the public), are not accessible under the Act.
A copy of the Form can be obtained by asking for one at the main office of any public authority or clicking the link below:
In order to ensure that your request is dealt with in a timely manner, it should be addressed as follows and submitted to the Ministry of National Security via electronic mail in a PDF format, hand delivered or mailed in to:
Permanent Secretary
Ministry of National Security
Attention: Designated Officer
Research Unit
General Administration Division
Temple Court 1
Ministry of National Security
31-33 Abercromby Street
Port of Spain
Please contact the Research Unit at Telephone: 623-2441-5, Ext. 12220 or email at research@mns.gov.tt
To read or download a copy of the Freedom of Information Act, 1999 or for further information about the Act, please visit www.foia.gov.tt