Search for beach access records was reasonable (2023-04-28)

Summary

This is a published case summary from the Cayman Islands Ombudsman describing the outcome of a Freedom of Information (FOI) review. An applicant sought records from the Ministry of District Administration and Lands (DAL) relating to beach access signage for Cayman Shores Development, and disputed whether the Ministry's search for responsive records was adequate.

• Finding: The Ombudsman found the Ministry had met its obligations to make reasonable efforts to locate responsive records and to make a record of those search efforts, even though some believed-to-exist records could not be found.
• Information Manager conduct: The Ombudsman noted the Information Manager could have interviewed the applicant further, but this was unnecessary here because the request was detailed and well understood.
• Outcome: No further action was required of the Ministry.

This is an informational case outcome rather than a rule, guidance document, or policy change; it illustrates how the Ombudsman applies existing FOI search-and-documentation standards but does not itself impose new requirements.

Applies to

public authorities (FOI record holders)