PHILIPSBURG:--- Legal advisor and substitute Ombudsman Ms. Gwendolien Mossel represented the Ombudsman of Sint Maarten at an Own Initiative Event organized by the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI) and the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman (NIPSO).
The conference, entitled: ‘Taking the Initiative: Exploring best practice in the exercise of Own Initiative investigation powers’, was held on October 22-23, 2018 in Belfast Northern Ireland. The two-day event highlighted the important role played by Own Initiative investigations in tackling issues of systemic maladministration & injustice and explored how Own Initiative powers can be used to maximum effect. The Ombudsman recently concluded two (2) Own Initiative (systemic) Investigations, namely Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRR) and Dismissal Advisory Committee (DAC). A third systemic investigation regarding the Rent Tribunal will be finalized within short and another into the procurement process at Princess Juliana International Airport Operating Company N.V. (PJIAE) was recently initiated. All final reports of the investigations are available on the website: www.ombudsmansxm.com
Ombudsman, Dr. Nilda Arduin, is also attending in her capacity as IOI Regional President a most important conference for the region in Mexico this week. The International Forum DESCA (Economic, Social, Cultural and Environmental Rights) and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, is taking place from October 23 -25 in Mexico City, Mexico.
The Forum will be followed by a regional meeting chaired by Dr. Arduin.
The Ombudsman notes that both activities are vital for the further development and growth of the Ombudsman institute of Sint Maarten and the sustainable development of Sint Maarten in light of 2030 Agenda.
