Strengthen the Open Data System (JM0009)

What is the public problem that the commitment will address?

On a global scale, Open Data has become a major initiative by governments to increase the availability and useability of information and data generated to facilitate research, and promote government transparency, private sector technology growth, innovation and policy formulation. There is high demand for government data in Jamaica, and there is a vast amount of data available on government websites to meet this demand. However, the main limitation is that much of this data is not in a readily reusable format and the barriers to converting it have challenged potential users of government data. The Open Data Portal established by the government in June 2016 hosts data in a range of subjects including on the economy, finance, infrastructure, health, education, agriculture and transportation. However, the Open Data Portal experienced challenges in its operation, and much of the data on the portal was not current. Under the first OGP National Action Plan (NAP) for Jamaica, steps were taken to upgrade the Open Data Portal. The second OGP NAP will consolidate and build on these steps to strengthen the broader Open Data System in Jamaica

What is the commitment?

To upgrade and strengthen the Open Data system in Jamaica through strategic actions in the Implementation Plan for the Open Data Policy, including consolidating and building on the upgrading of the Open Data Portal.

How will the commitment contribute to solving the public problem?

The Government of Jamaica Open Data Policy which was approved by the Cabinet in July 2021 provides the Vision, Guiding Principles, Goals, Objectives and Strategies for the advancement of Open Government Data in Jamaica. The Implementation Plan will provide the basis for the realization of the Open Data Goals. The key strategic actions included in the OGP Open Data commitment will address key constraints, including through conducting communication and sensitization on the Open Data Policy with MDAs and other stakeholders, expanding the participation of civil society in Open Data governance, completing a review of existing legislation and policies relevant to Open Data, strengthening partnerships and engagement among government and non-government stakeholders in areas relevant to Open Data, and conducting capacity building for Open Data capabilities

Why is this commitment relevant to OGP values?

The upgrading and strengthening of the Open Data system in Jamaica is relevant to the following OGP values:
1. Access to Information: The upgrading and strengthening of the Open Data system will significantly improve the provision of Open Government Data in Jamaica. The commitment will also strengthen the relationship between the Open Data system and the Access to Information system.
2. Civic Participation: The development of the Implementation Plan for the Open Data Policy will include stakeholder consultation and the representation and role of civil society on the Open Data Committee will be expanded.
3. Public Accountability: The increased availability of Open Government Data will enable more effective monitoring of performance of government entities, projects and programmes.
4. Technology and Innovation for Openness and Accountability: The strategic actions in the Implementation Plan for the Open Data Policy will deploy technology to increase the provision of Open Government Data, including consolidating and building on the upgrading of the Open Data Portal.

Additional information

The upgrading and strengthening of the Open Data system in Jamaica is aligned with: • The Government of Jamaica Open Data Policy (2021) • Vision 2030 Jamaica National Development Plan – National Outcome No. 6 Effective Governance, including National Strategy 6-1 Strengthen the Process of Citizen Participation in Governance, National Strategy 6-5 Strengthen Public Institutions to Deliver Efficient and Effective Public Goods and Services, and National Strategy 6-7 Strengthen Accountability and Transparency Mechanisms; National Outcome No. 11 A Technology-Enabled Society, including National Strategy 11-1 Integrate Science and Technology into All Areas of Development • Medium Term Socio-Economic Policy Framework (MTF) for the relevant three-year period • Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – Target 16.10 Ensure public access to information; Open Data is also seen as playing a cross-cutting role, contributing towards the achievement of all seventeen SDGs

Milestone Activity with a Verifiable Deliverable | Start Date | End Date
Complete Implementation Plan for the Open Data Policy | June 2024 | August 2024
Strengthen Open Data Committee including expanded representation and role of civil society | June 2024 | December 2024
Conduct communication and sensitization on the Open Data Policy with MDAs and other stakeholders | June 2024 | June 2026
Complete review of existing legislation and policies relevant to Open Data | July 2024 | September 2025
Strengthen partnerships and engagement among government and non-government stakeholders in areas relevant to Open Data | July 2024 | September 2025
Conduct capacity building for Open Data capabilities among government and nongovernment stakeholders, including for the upgraded Open Data Portal | September 2024 | December 2025
Publish and maintain a public list of Government data sets, including rationale and timelines for their publication or non-disclosure, and quarterly updates on priority list of data sets to be mainstreamed into the Open Data Portal | September 2024 | June 2026