Philipsburg; In separate letters directed to the Prime Minister of Sint Maarten, Mr. William Marlin and the President of Parliament, Mrs. Sarah Wescot-Williams, the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI) expressed sympathy to the government and the people of Sint Maarten in the aftermath of the recent hurricanes. Both letters go on to say that the IOI is conscious of the enormous task ahead of rebuilding the country and the resilience required from the community. Consequently it pledges full support and backing from the international Ombudsman community to the Ombudsman institutions in the region, and wishes the Governments, Parliaments and the people of Sint Maarten, and the Caribbean in general, much wisdom and strength.
Public Awareness Campaign
Giving further content to their support, the IOI has recently approved and will be funding a public awareness campaign throughout the Caribbean. The campaign will focus on the role of the Ombudsman, Complaint Commissioners and Public Defender pertaining to the government, particularly in a time of crisis. The Ombudsman of Sint Maarten, Dr. Nilda Arduin, is the Regional President on the IOI Board.A company on Sint Maarten has been engaged to produce the infomercial.