Transparency and accountability for salary increase process (2023-11-30)

Summary

This is a case summary published by the Cayman Islands Ombudsman describing the outcome of a Freedom of Information (FOI) complaint against the Ministry of Home Affairs. An applicant sought records relating to the fairness and compliance of a salary increase process within the Cayman Islands Fire Service, and the Ministry withheld most responsive records citing exemptions for free and frank exchange of views, prejudice to public affairs, and third-party personal information.

• Withheld: Names, salaries, and other information identifying individuals who received a salary increase were found exempt, since disclosure would prejudice the conduct of public affairs.
• Disclosed: The Ombudsman ordered disclosure of the names and information of civil servants who actioned the salary increases, and of records showing the process used to apply for and obtain permission to action the increases.

This is an informal resolution decision under the Freedom of Information Law and applies directly to the Ministry of Home Affairs in this case; it does not create a new general rule but illustrates how the Ombudsman balances personal privacy exemptions against transparency about internal decision-making processes.

Key obligations

• The Ministry of Home Affairs must disclose the names and other information of the civil servants who actioned the salary increases, as ordered by the Ombudsman.
• The Ministry of Home Affairs must disclose records showing the process used to apply for and obtain permission to action the salary increases, as ordered by the Ombudsman.

Applies to

Ministry of Home Affairs, public authorities subject to Freedom of Information requests