Barbados Government Information Service

The Government Information Service (BGIS) is the official communications arm of the Barbados Government. This Department is responsible for the dissemination of public information to the various news media and the general public.

The BGIS was established in 1958 in response to the need to inform and educate the public regarding government and its activities.

Over the years, the Department has evolved from a fledgling information management function to a broad based news and public relations agency of government, impacting on the opinions of the people of Barbados regarding matters of governmental and national importance.

The BGIS is headed by a Chief Information Officer who has overall responsibility for the proper management and performance of a Department that highlights and elucidates various government policies, plans, programmes and projects. This is achieved through a well-trained cadre of Information Officers and Public Relations Officers who serve the needs of the various Ministries and Departments of Government, the news media, the private sector and the wider society. The Department is made up of three main divisions - Press, Radio and Television, with their support staff.

The BGIS is actively involved in training other Departments of Government in the public relations discipline, servicing information requests from the public, as well as the monitoring of public response to government's work.

Other duties include coverage of Parliament; facilitating members of Cabinet at Parliamentary sittings, press conferences and briefings for Ministers, Permanent Secretaries and other top public officials.

The Department also provides press coverage of some overseas activities of government.