Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1698080341373.pdf (Seychelles)
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M O C O F N @ S E I R U Q N E I A M E I KLA RESIDENCE, MONT-FLEURI, THIRD FLOOR Tel: 4303188 TABLE OF CONTENTS Overview Meet the Board of Commissioners Year in Review by the Chief Information Commissioner A Word from the CEO Meet the IC Team Let’s Hear from the Employees Human Resources & Administration Training Key Deliverables Strategic Objective 1 Strategic Objective 2 Strategic Objective 3 Strategic Objective 4 Notes to Financial Statements 2022 4 7 8 27 33 Appeals and Complaints to the Commission 34 Strengths / Challenges and Plans for the Next 3 Years List of Abbreviations Annex 35 36 37 2 | P a g e The Information Commission of Seychelles created, compiled, and published this report to highlight its key activities and progress for the year 2022.
This annual report summarizes the activities carried out under the Access to Information Act of 2018.

This report contains data in the form of written text, numerical statistics, and photographs of individuals or groups of individuals for the sole purpose of this report as described above.

This document may be freely reproduced in any format or medium as long as it is reproduced accurately and not in a misleading context.
The material must be credited to the Information Commission of Seychelles and the document title must be specified.

The Information Commission reserves the right to publish or unpublish this report.

© Information Commission 2022 3 | P a g e OVERVIEW The Information Commission officially came into existence in 2018 in conjunction with and guided by the Seychelles Access to Information Act, 2018 (ATIA hereafter).
It began to function in 2019 with the initial phase focused on establishing its operations and instituting the ATIA.

Together, the Information Commission and ATIA function to promote good governance and are the primary tools to aid the access of information held by public authorities performing a governmental function in Seychelles.
Powers The Information Commission has the power to determine the nature, process and undertakings necessary to discharge its mandate in terms of this Act, including all work necessary for the promotion, monitoring and protection of the right of access to information.
The Information Commission has, at its own discretion, the power to —  Resolve a matter through negotiation, conciliation or mediation where it deems such recourse appropriate;  Determine the need for, form of and type of investigation required for the determination of any matter; and  Authorise or undertake any such action it deems necessary or appropriate for the execution of its mandate under this act.
 Determine and issue general directions for the hearing of a matter, including notification   of parties; Issue specific directions where issues of sensitivity to the state are concerned; Issue specific directions in matters concerning confidential information or minors or circumstances which it deems appropriate for such action;  Decide on all matters relating to the need for form of, issuing and service of notices and communications; and Issue written orders obliging the production of information;  Decide on issues of representation where necessary.
  Examine, reproduce, take extracts from or hold information for as long as is necessary;  Require the production of information to which access has been refused on the basis of an exemption under part iii, for the purpose of deciding whether it is an exempt document;  Limit access to information by the parties in terms of this act; and  Take any such other action or issue and serve notices as may be appropriate for the resolution of any matter before it.
4 | P a g e OUR VISION “Actively and responsibly, support the people of Seychelles realize their constitutional rights to information and collectively advance a culture of good governance” 5 | P a g e OUR MANDATE To foster good governance through enhancing transparency, accountability, integrity in public service and administration, participation of persons in public affairs, including exposing corruption, to recognise the right of access to information envisaged in Article 28 of the Constitution and for matters connected therewith and incidental thereto.
6 | P a g e MEET THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MUMTAZ HASAN CHIEF INFORMATION COMMISSIONER ANTONIO LUCAS DESIRE PAYET INFORMATION COMMISSIONER INFORMATION COMMISSIONER 7 | P a g e YEAR IN REVIEW BY THE CHIEF INFORMATION COMMISSIONER (CIC) I feel privileged to be part of the small and spirited team at the Information Commission dedicated to improving the human condition.
Reflecting on 2022, the covid pandemic restrictions were still somewhat affecting our community engagement work methods in the first quarter, we recruited and welcomed a new staff in the critical position of the Analyst/Auditor in the second quarter, caught up to all outstanding reports in the third quarter, collaborated enthusiastically with other agencies, energetically delivered numerous outreach sessions at the topmost layer by the CEO herself, meticulously addressed all public complaints and appeal cases throughout the year, underwent a smooth leadership transition at the Chief Commissioner level and started afresh on many fronts.
We have made an effort to listen with an open mind to feedback received from all public parties, analyzed data collected, prioritized and acted on lessons learned, improved visibility and communication, and ultimately evolved our approach to deliver services in a relevant and quality manner.
During the year, we maintained open communication channels and supportive relationships with all the 125 or so Information Officers and 125 or so Head of Information Holders who are vital to the effective implementation of the 2018 Access to Information Act on a mass national scale.
Some of our summarized tangible achievements for the year were: Activities Targeted Achieved Direct Beneficiaries (Individuals) 1) Compliance Audits - Public Bodies 2) Outreach Sessions – Groups 3) Video Awareness Tool 4) Poster Awareness Tool 5) Mediation, Negotiation, Investigation, Resolution for Complaints and Appeals 15 13 3 2 All received 15 13 3 2 All received 6 6) Strategic Plan for 2023 to 2025 7) Commissioners and Secretariat Monthly By Dec 2022 11 By Sep 2022 11 Meetings 8) Commissioners Extraordinary Meetings 9) Section 54 Annual All Compiled Report 10) Annual Report for 2018 to 2021 11) Policy Manual - SOP for Offences 12) Policy Prescription – SI for Section 5 Proactive Disclosure 13) Policy Development – Data Protection Act 0 1 1 1 1 1 12 1 1 1 1 1 14) Systems Overhaul – Technological and E- filing Upgrades to Record Keeping By Dec 2022 By Sep 2022 30 322 300 300 18 ** 10 10 10 250+ 250+ 250+ 250+ - 10 Indirect Beneficiaries (Individuals) 5027 3220 55,119 * 55,119 * - 55,119 * - - 55,119 * 55,119 * - 55,119 * - 55,119 * 8 | P a g e The Information Commission team of 6 full-time secretariat staff, 3 part-time commissioners and 1 part-time legal consultant has worked at a demanding and determined pace, often outside comfort zones to grow.
The short term results are visible today both externally through an involved public and internally through a stable, thriving professional team capable to meet the demands of the work environment.

Transformation and achieving something significant begins with a clear vision, progressive mindset and committed small action steps at all levels.

Thank you to all the staff, partners and stakeholders for your hard work, passion, patience and commitment in this journey together.
As the Information Commission embraces 2023, we step on the foundations of 2018 to 2022 to collectively progress in strength.

Mumtaz Hasan Chief Information Commissioner * Based on 2022 official employment statistics (36,741 private sector, 7,718 parastatal sector, 10,660 government sector) ** Number of cases multiply by 3 (IO, HIOH, Appellant) 9 | P a g e A WORD FROM THE CEO It gives me great pleasure to present another Annual Report.
This document reflects a year of action and progress in supporting the rights of Information in the Seychelles.

The Commission views this work as an opportunity for responsibility rather than a routine task.

Every activity carried out throughout the year was aimed on the achievement of a specific goal.

This Annual Report provides you with many fascinating examples of our work and the opportunities we are creating in the process.
The year 2022, our public outreach session focused on the importance of Access to Information, a key element of the fundamental human rights.

As a result, when working with public entities, our main focus was on the idea of continuously supporting records management and emphasizing its significance, as well as how information is shared with the general public.
We also saw the creation of our updated website, a quick, cutting- edge, and user-friendly site that enables both the public and public bodies who is subject to the Access to Information Act.

This substantial has greatly enhanced our primary external communication.

The experience of recent years has only served to highlight the critical role that ATIA plays in improving the transparency of public bodies and supporting informed participation by individuals.
When considering upcoming difficulties, it is evident that a robust and efficient ATIA framework, as well as the openness and transparency it fosters, are essential for promoting accountability, enhancing participation, and fostering confidence in our public services.
My office will undoubtedly continue to encourage and assist other public bodies in adapting their ways of working, learning from their challenges, and updating their practices to ensure that people can easily access the information that is important to them.

I am confident that the executive team's knowledge, passion, and the dedication of the Commission's staff members will successfully lead the Commission into the next chapter.
I wish to thank the Commissioners, staff and all stakeholders for your continuous support during an extremely challenging year.

I trust that this report will be of great value to you all.

We look forward to continuing to build on these foundations and to supporting the Access to Information.
Thereza Dogley Chief Executive Officer 10 | P a g e MEET THE IC TEAM Thereza Dogley Chief Executive Officer Jean-Marc Lablache Dina Antoine Rashikah Didon Attorney At Law Administrative & Information Officer Office Assistant Mina Accouche Mina Labiche Aldrick Freminot Information Analyst/Auditor Records Officer Driver/ Messenger 11 | P a g e LET’S HEAR FROM THE EMPLOYEES "The year 2022 has been a very challenging year for me personally and the Information Commission.
With the limited budget we had, we had to ensure that we administer same well to complete and deliver on most projects planned for the year.

I can proudly say that this was possible because of the good to succeed."

spirit and willingness team “The year 2022 has been challenging, but as a team, we have done our best to achieve our objectives.

We hope to maintain our positive attitude as a team in the coming year.
In addition, I am currently enrolled in a Diploma in Office and Records Management Level 1 course at The Guy Morel Institute, which will benefit my work as a Records Officer.” Dina Antoine Administrative Officer and Information Officer Mina Labiche Record Officer “I have been working for the Commission for less than a year and have learned so much over this short span of time.

We get a lot of support as we have an open door policy as well as a swift legal service.
We are made up of a small team, hence we have managed to maintain a good working environment throughout.

The Commission encounters many difficulties due to insufficient funding, but we have managed to achieve so much with very limited resources.

I believe our biggest challenge is to break down this culture of secrecy that has built up over years and this of course is not an easy task.
It is however, a pleasure when we are able to mediate cases, as requestors are able to get their information promptly, which in turn reduces the amount of time and resources needed to work on a case.” Mina Accouche Information Analyst /Auditor ‘I am pleased to be a part of a positive working environment where contributions are appreciated and welcome whereby all staff shares the same vision and is dedicated to the mission.’ Rashikah Didon Office Assistant Records Officer "It's been a pleasure working with this team for the past few years and look forward to more fruitful years together.” Aldrick Freminot Driver/Messenger 12 | P a g e HUMAN RESOURCES & ADMINISTRATION Human Resources is critical to the Commission's growth and overall development, whereas Administration focuses on general financial aspects and office management.
W O R K F O R C E The Commission's workforce capacity was six employees at the beginning of 2022.

At the Commission, recruitment is about more than just filling a position; it is also about finding the right candidate who will embrace the organization's core values and fit within its culture.

This ensures continuity and keeps performance levels stable.
According to the established procedure, one position was advertised internally/externally in order to attract the best possible candidates to fill the position of Information Analyst/ Auditor in 2022.

Ms. Mina Accouche, a new employee, was hired to fill the vacancy.
FIGURE 1: INFORMATION COMMISSION STRUCTURE Commissioners Chief Executive Office Support Services Unit Access to Information Unit Data Protection Unit Administration Section Human Resources Section Records Section 13 | P a g e TRAINING Due to government restrictions on overseas travel and budget cuts for overseas missions, the Commission's staff could only participate in virtual conferences or trainings hosted by partners.

Trainings are still required to keep up with new developments.
It also contributes to the expansion of employees' knowledge and the adoption of best practices by the Commission.

However, there were difficulties in following virtual meetings due to time differences and poor internet connectivity.

Local Trainings The Commission develops its training plan on a yearly basis with the goal of improving employees' knowledge, skills, understanding, values, attitude, motivation, and capability to perform at their best.
The Performance Management System [PMS] is a systematic approach to measuring employee performance.

The Manager or the employees themselves may communicate training needs as part of the PMS.

It could be either short- term training to improve skills or long-term training to advance one's career.

During the year 2022, the Commission provided staff with local training opportunities at the 'The Guy Morel Institute [TGMI].
The courses offered were as follows: Course 1: Diploma in Office and Records Management Level 1 This course, which leads to the Diploma in Office and Records Management, focuses on the psychological and practical aspects of office management and record keeping.

It aims to develop the conceptual, research, analytical, and social skills required by the program's office workers.
It will provide them with professional skills, strategies, tools, attitudes, and techniques for dealing with problems in organizations, particularly those undergoing change.

Course 1: Diploma in Human Resources Level 1 The course aims to increase learners' authority and personal skills so that staff can participate in organizational operations and contribute to the organization's development strategy.
Thus will gain basic professional knowledge and skills that will serve as a foundation for their future roles in their profession.

14 | P a g e KEY DELIVERABLES Objectives 1: To progress establishing, administering and enforcing the ATIA and Data Protection Legislation.

The following activities were undertaken to contribute towards achieving results under Strategic Objective 1: 1.

Standard Operating Procedures “Offences and Parameters” was developed and enacted in November 2022.
The objective of this SOP for the Access to Information Act 2018 is as a standardized framework to guide the Commission to methodically apply the Access to Information Act, particularly compliance to timely reporting obligations under Section 54.

The SOP has been developed in line with Section 46 (1) which states that ‘The Information Commission may, through a process of public consultation, develop its own rules, procedures and code of conduct to regulate its affairs.’ 2.
The development of the Strategic Plan 2023-2025 – www.infocom.sc 3.

The reporting obligation Annual Report 2018-2021 –www.infocom.sc 4.

Development of the SI 18 of 2023 - Access to Information (Proactive Disclosure and Mandatory Publication) Regulations, 2023 – www.infocom.sc 5.

Compliance Audit - A targeted 15 Public Bodies were audited during the year 2022 for the years 2018-2021.
5.1 Public Bodies Audited Public Utilities Corporation Seychelles Trading Company Seychelles National Youth Council Seychelles Planning Authority National Biosecurity Agency Lands Department Seychelles Agriculture Agency Seychelles Infrastructure Agency Agriculture Department Seychelles Tennis Association National Sports Council Seychelles Investment Board Ministry of Education Department of Employment Seychelles Licensing Authority 15 | P a g e Objectives 2: To Increase individual and public institutional awareness of good governance linked to ATIA legislation, role of the Information Commission and lawful rights.
We believe that communication and education is vital to attaining this purpose; to not only create awareness and provide knowledge to citizens to access their rights but also developing a wider accountable and transparent mindset, culture and environment.

The Information Commission plans and carries out various in person, digital, formal and informal outreach initiatives throughout the year.
Number of Outreach Sessions Conducted in 2022 Timeline Activities Target Audience January Outreach session District Administrators Number of people attended (Appox) 25 February Outreach Session Head teachers or one teacher to represent their School CEPS March Outreach Session Regional and Station Commanders May- June Outreach Session Post-Secondary Student final Year Outreach Session Media Houses September Outreach Session School Librarian October Outreach Session Public on Praslin and La Digue November Outreach Session Parliament Staff and MNA’s 20 30 15 117 4 30 30 15 16 | P a g e District Administrators get better insight into the Access to Information Act On January 25, 2022, the CEO held a virtual meeting with District Administrators.
The Commission organized the session to inform the DA about the ATI Act, which was passed in July 2018.

It was an opportunity for the DA to clear up any confusion and demand more explanations about how the Act works, the roles of information officers, and the procedures for requesting information, among other things.

Several journalists drew on this when discussing the difficulties they face when requesting information from information officers in various government agencies.
Information Commission in collaboration with CEPS the the activities of part As commemorating non- governmental organizations week, which was held on February 22, 2022.

The session's goal was to educate the representatives of the 30 non- governmental organizations (NGOs) present on how to gain access to information.

The meeting was led by the CEO.


17 | P a g e Teachers get better insight into the Access to Information Act On February 23, 2022, Information Commission hosted a virtual workshop for both primary and secondary teachers.

the The workshop's sole purpose was to educate teachers on the Access to Information (ATI) Act so that they can better understand what they must do to make information available to the public and how they should go about releasing the requested information.
It was also an opportunity to educate them on the importance of to information with their students.

universal access Information Commission Meets with Regional and Station Commanders of the Seychelles Police Force On March 9, the Commission held an outreach session on Access to Information with the Seychelles Police Force's Regional and Station Commanders.

The goal is to sensitize the officers so that they can be more knowledgeable about the law.
18 | P a g e Poster Competition Group photos with the winners The Commission hosts an open poster contest for Seychellois of all ages.

The goal was to encourage people to participate in an interactive and enjoyable way in the national conversation about good governance, transparency, accountability, and integrity in public service and administration.

The artistic statement's theme is to communicate what this means to you and how we can all work together to achieve it in our communities.
Participants had the option of drawing an artwork or doodle with a short message about what they created and why, or designing a poster in any medium such as paint, collage, digital, or eco recycled materials.

The competition received six entries, and prizes were awarded in three categories based on creativity, relevance to the theme, and originality.

Prizes were awarded in three categories, from first to third place.
Mr. Terry Moncherry received first place, Mr. Ludovique Nourice received second place, and Mr. Angelo Marie received third place.

The award ceremony was held on September 29th to commemorate the week of activities to highlight International Day of Universal Access to Information.
First Prize – Mr. Moncherry Second Prize – Mr. Nourice Third Prize- Mr. Marie 19 | P a g e 1st Prize: Mr Terry Moncherry 19 | P a g e 2nd Prize: Mr. Ludovique Nourice 20 | P a g e 3rd Prize: Mr. Angelo Marie 21 | P a g e International Day of Universal Access to Information To commemorate the week of International Day of Universal Access to Information, the Information Commission conducted different activities under the UNESCO theme “Artificial Intelligence, e-Governance and Access to Information".
Some of the activities we undertook during the week were:  Personal community engagement with School librarians;  Targeting positive mass awareness raising messaging in creole on local radio – “Bonzour Sesel”;  Symbolic placement of banner at Freedom Square in Victoria;  Cultural connections and prizes for using art, including digital art, to bring positive change.
22 | P a g e Inner Islands get involve in knowing the ATI Better Commission works The inclusively and purposely to ensure that no one left behind when it comes to access to information.

On 25th October to 26th October, a program was sensitization organised for the resident of the inner islands.

The program was conducted on both Praslin and La Digue.
the 23 | P a g e Objectives 3: To increase quality professional management tools and practices, including monitoring, evaluation and learning systems to measure performance effectiveness, deliver purposeful and knowledgeable evidence based results and guide sound actions.
To improve professional management tools and practices, such as monitoring, evaluation, and learning systems, and to measure performance effectiveness, acts and tools have been developed or updated to ensure that the necessary improvements and measures are made.

1.

Development and creation of e-filing system, all documents and file has been scan and store in a systems create with consultation with Department of Information Communication Technology.

2.

Updating of the Appeal and Complaint database.

3.


Upgrading and regularly updating the website.

4.

Development of communication plan 2022-2025.

5.

Development of at a glance FAQ (frequently asked question) sheet 6.

Development of user friendly ATI poster 7.


Early adoption of performance based management and HR improvements 24 | P a g e Example of a user-friendly technical tool developed for public to know their rights and support IOs and Public Bodies to display in their workspaces and public website.
25 | P a g e 26 | P a g e Objectives 4: To increase collaborations, partnerships and networks to cultivate and support a wider enabling environment for good citizenship change, maximize and improve access to diverse resources, build capacities, transfer knowledge and good practices.

The Information Commission is cognizant that various organizations, each with specific strengths, are actively contributing to good governance.
Complementarily linking, coordinating, and innovating collectively is one of the major ways we are attentively pursuing to enhance effectiveness and impact.

We recognize the importance of connectiveness within the wider landscape, supporting commonalities and collaborations as a powerful means to add diversified value to achieve our long-term vision.
In addition to the community engagement featured in earlier sections, some of the technical collaborations were with:  Technical meeting with the IMF Seychelles mission team to support the Central Bank Transparency (CBT) Code Review for the Central Bank of Seychelles,  Learning visit with Mr. Phillip Michaud on Fisheries Transparency Initiative (FiTI) to find ways to support each other enhance accountability and transparency of good governance and fisheries management information vis-à-vis the ATIA.
 Technical meeting with Mr. Mark Caroll for the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) peer review process to identify gaps and propose recommendations for improving implementation,  Meetings with the Department of Information Communications Technology (DICT) PS Benjamin Choppy and Ms. Beryl Payet to develop Data Protection Legislation Policies and collaborate on technology and mass public accessible website use as an efficient, sustainable repository and cost effective approach to further open government and E-governance initiatives,  Technical meeting with the Deputy Commissioner of Police to develop the Ways of Working and SOPs for complaints and appeal cases under Section 67 of the ATIA.
 Technical input meetings with Transparency Initiative Seychelles (TIS) to contribute towards a practical approach to Whistleblower policies.

 Meetings with AG’s office staff Mr. Muhammad Saley and Mr. Victor Pool on strengths and challenges of the ATI, 5 year strategic review of the 2018 ATIA and ideas for joint collaborations on awareness raising and capacity building.
27 | P a g e One of Our National Media Campaigns and Advocacy Initiatives that Started Early in the Year Centred Around ‘Tata Bus S14586 Celebrates 2 Year Anniversary of Promoting Good Governance’ TATA Bus S14586 celebrated its second year as a vehicle for promoting good governance in the Seychelles.

The bus has carried a message of good governance to an estimated 233,600 people, averaging 320 people per day.

The slogans are as follows: “Do what is right, even if no one is looking.
Touzour fer sa ki byen, menm si napa lizye lo ou.

Access to Information is your right” This initiative is a collaboration between the Commission, Transparency Initiative Seychelles (TIS), and Seychelles Public Transport Corporation (SPTC) with the goal of providing an active and accessible way to disseminate information to the public and raise awareness in addition to traditional methods of literature promotion.
Activism and Innovation in Seychelles and Drive towards Good Governance “Spot the TATA Campaign” To commemorate the two-year anniversary of our heroic TATA bus and to encourage public participation in our daily discourse, an interactive campaign was launched from May 1 to May 30th for all members of the general public to spot the infamous TATA bus S14586 as it drives around Mahe - take a photo, write a sentence.
The Information Commission was hopeful that this participatory activity will allow authentic, diverse messages and viewpoints from Seychellois and visitors of all ages, including children, teenagers, adults, and the elderly, on what good governance means to them.
28 | P a g e Sensitisation in the Access to Information Act in Professional Institution The Information Commission collaborates with the Transparency Initiative Seychelles to promote the Access to Information Act in the country's professional institutions.

The outreach activity was part of a campaign to raise awareness about the ATI Act.

The project was funded by the Government of Seychelles through the National Grant.
In May to June 2022 over a period of three weeks a total of 118 final year students from: - The School of Advanced Level Studies - The Seychelles Institute of Art and Design - The National Institute of Health and Social Studies - The Seychelles Institute of Technology - The Seychelles Tourism Academy attended the presentation.

The Final year students were chosen because they will be entering the workforce, where a better understanding and knowledge of the ATI Act will be useful.
29 | P a g e Media Practitioners learn more on Access to Information Act Initiative Seychelles a media workshop (TIS) Transparency organized in collaboration with the Commission to raise awareness of the Access to Information Act.

On June 10, 2022, the workshop was held at the Eden bleu Hotel.

There were 27 people in attendance from the media, TIS, and the Commission.

in a discussion about The workshop's goal was to engage the media their experiences with the ATI Act.
Journalists were able to discuss the distinction between the positions of Information Officer and Public Relations Officer in an organization.

It was also an opportunity for them to learn more about this act and how it can be used to protect the source of the information.

There were also numerous suggestions made to adapt the law to the realities of Seychelles.

This workshop was the final activity in a National Grant-funded awareness-raising campaign about the Access to Information Act.
30 | P a g e Outreach Videos Three outreach videos were produced in collaboration with the Transparency Initiative Seychelles (TiS) and funded by the Government of Seychelles through a National Grant.

In the first video, CEO, Ms. Dogley, explains the objectives of the ATI Act and the role of Commission in administering it.

We also meet PUC’s Information Officer, Ms. Maria Payet, who shares her views on the Act.
 Watch Video 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jNd1egVag&t=17s In the second video is describe on:  The kind of information that someone can access using the Access to Information Act.

 How does a third party come into the picture?

 What do you do if you are not satisfied with the answer received.

 When does the Information Commission get involved?
https://youtu.be/z8_lf4lH1Yc  Watch Video 2: In the third and final video in the Access to Information Act, awareness raising, the video shows three requesters who share their stories on how they used the ATI Law.

 Watch Video 3: https://youtu.be/8W2xFlrshbc **The video can also be viewed on the TiS, Information Commission website, and Facebook page.
31 | P a g e Session with the Members and Parliamentary Staff of the National Assembly for On the 15th November 2022, a session the members and was hosted parliamentary the National staff of Assembly.

An overview of access to information was provided during the informative The member’s presents had the chance to learn more about the legislation.
An overview of the responsibility accountability and measures that entail of sharing and including information, accessing discussion the consequences of altering and giving false information was also discussed.

The sensitization was also an opportunity to highlight the challenges the Commission faces, promotional activities conducted and strategic plan for the future.

session.

32 | P a g e NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2022 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 2022 1.
Significant Accounting Policies The significant accounting policies adopted in preparing the financial statements.

(a) Statement of Compliance The financial statements of the Information Commission are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting practice in the Seychelles.

(b) Measurement basis and accounting policies applied The measurement basis used is cash basis and the financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis.

2.
2.

Appropriations/ Allocations All expenses for the period under review was paid for by the Government.

4.

Fixed Assets The details of fixed assets are recorded in registers as required by PFMR, 2014 and Accounting Manual, and are under the control of the entity.

5.
5.

Variations between the budget and actual Material variations between the budget and actual are explained below: Descriptions Budget- SCR Actual-SCR Transportation and Travel Costs 41,275.00 12,570.00 Comments The budget for the Hire for Vehicles was not spent and with due care, policies and systematic monitoring mechanism, there was a significant saving on the Fuel costs for our vehicle.
33 | P a g e APPEALS AND COMPLAINTS TO THE COMMISSION Pursuant to Section 58, a requestor or a third party may appeal against the decision of the Head of the Information Holder in writing to the Information Commission.

During the year 2022, four (4) appeals and two (2) complaints was made to the Commission.

Upon Consultation and investigation appeals was done through mediation accordance to the ATI law.
In 2021, three (3) appeals and zero (0) complaint was recorded and this show that the upskilling and knowledge of Information Officer to be more compliant towards providing information.

For the year 2020, a total of three (3) appeal and four (4) complaints was made to the Commission.

All three appeal was granted approval for resolved released, accordingly, and the no acknowledgment of an ATI request.
four complaint was this was of the 4.5 4 3.5 3 2.5 2 1.5 1 0.5 0 2018/2019 2020 2021 2022 Appeals Complaints 34 | P a g e STRENGTHS / CHALLENGES AND PLANS FOR THE NEXT 3 YEARS STRENGTHS  Network of Information Officers and Head of Information Holders in each public body, ranging 125 to 130, to support instituting the ATIA.

Information Commission has SOPs in place and well used.

Timely and professional engagement to public requests.

Information Commission has good communication with different bodies.
    Strategic human resource placement and development; employees and Information Officers representing public bodies are provided with training to carry out their duties.

CHALLENGES Since the operation of the Information Commission, the underlying challenges and constraints are:  Capacity gaps for the full enforcement of the ATIA.

 Getting public bodies to be conscious of the importance of proactive disclosures and implement to a consistent high standard.
 A rigid mindset of the organisation and people who hold the information and resistance to change.

 A lack of awareness, skills, systems and organized processes in record management.

 The lack of connective strategic communications and communications specialists to support advocacy, campaigns and capitulate concrete targeted action to achieve goals.
PLAN FOR THE NEXT THREE YEARS The Information Commission is expected to encompass and administer new legislation on Data Protection in both the private and public sector, in 2023.

As per our 2023-2025 strategies, the Commission is working towards  Ensuring effective implementation of the Access to Information Act, 2018 and the Data Protection Legislation.
   Increasing individual and public institutional awareness of good governance linked to ATIA and Data Protection Legislation, role of the Information Commission and lawful rights.

Increasing quality professional management tools and practices, and develop monitoring, evaluation and learning systems to measure performance effectiveness, deliver purposeful and knowledgeable evidence based results and guide sound actions.
Increasing collaborations, partnerships and networks to cultivate and support a wider enabling environment for good citizenship change, maximize and improve access to diverse resources, build capacities, transfer knowledge and good practices.
35 | P a g e LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS IC – Information Commission ATIA – Access to Information Act ATI – Access to Information IO – Information Officer HOIH – Head of Information Holder MDA’s – Ministries Departments and Agencies SOP’s – Standard Operating Procedures 36 | P a g e ANNEX 37 | P a g e 38 | P a g e 39 | P a g e 40 | P a g e 41 | P a g e 42 | P a g e 43 | P a g e 44 | P a g e 45 | P a g e 46 | P a g e 47 | P a g e