Miscellaneous

Ombudsmen of the kingdom meet in Aruba

GREAT BAY, For the first time in history, all the countries within the Kingdom of the Netherlands have an ombudsman, and for the first time, they convened in Aruba. Since 2015, the ombudsmen of the countries in the Kingdom of the Netherlands have met annually. Until 2024, these gatherings included the Ombudsman of Curaçao, Keursly … Read more

Ombudsman attends ILO assembly & seminar in Iguaçu Brazil

GREAT BAY, The Ombudsman of Sint Maarten, Ms. Gwendolien Mossel, recently participated in the 15th assembly and seminar of the Latin American Institute of Ombudsmen (ILO), held from December 4-6, 2024, in Iguaçu, Brazil. The conference focused on the theme “Ombudsmen’s and Public Offices: Conflicts, Challenges, and Contributions in Democracy,” a topic both timely and … Read more

Council of Advice, General Audit Chamber, and Ombudsman Organize Symposium on Sound Policy and Practicable Legislation

The High Councils of State – Council of Advice, General Audit Chamber, and the Ombudsman – in partnership with the Caribbean Center for Legislation (CCL), have organized a Symposium on the topic “Sound Policy and Practicable Legislation.” This engaging symposium will feature two informative segments: a lecture and a masterclass, both expertly facilitated by Ms. … Read more

Ombudsman presents Prime Minister Mercelina with 2023 Year Report

The Ombudsman of Sint Maarten recently presented the 2023 annual report to Prime Minister Luc Mercelina. The report was previously published in July. In 2023 a total of 367 complaints were handled, with 43 warranting an Ombudsman investigation. Of the 324 general inquiries, the most frequent topics included civil cases, SZV, and filing complaints with … Read more

Ombudsman publishes 2023 Year Report

PHILIPSBURG, The Ombudsman of Sint Maarten recently published the 2023-year report. In 2023 there were a total of 367 complaints handled of which 43 resulted in a report by the Ombudsman. From the 324 general complaints the majority concerned the following topics: Civil cases (29), SZV (20), followed by KPSM (filing a complaint) and Immigration … Read more

Ombudsman concludes investigation regarding garage disturbance

Great Bay, Ombudsman Gwendolien Mossel recently concluded an investigation regarding an objection filed on behalf of the residents of Cole Bay against the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI) issuing a hinderance permit to a garage operating in close proximity of their homes. The investigation concluded that the ministry failed to … Read more

Ombudsman attends IOI World Conference in The Hague

GREAT BAY, The Ombudsman of Sint Maarten, Gwendolien Mossel, recently attended the International Ombudsman Institute’s 13th World Conference, which was held from 12-17 May, 2024 in The Hague. The host of the conference was the National Ombudsman of the Netherlands, Reinier van Zutphen.  The main theme of the conference was: ‘Act together for our tomorrow’. … Read more

Ombudsman concludes Systemic Investigation into KPSM Motor Vehicle Confiscation Policy

Great Bay, Ombudsman Gwendolien Mossel has concluded the Systemic Investigation into the motor vehicle confiscation policy of KPSM. The Final Report (FR) was recently submitted to the Minister of Justice. The Ombudsman received numerous complaints regarding KPSM confiscating motor vehicles, usually during traffic controls, for suspicion of the vehicle being stolen. Complainants alleged that vehicles … Read more

Ombuds Institutions of the Kingdom meet on Aruba

GREAT BAY, The Ombuds institutions of the Kingdom of the Netherlands recently met in Aruba for their annual meeting. One of the topics discussed during the meeting was the Aruban Ombudsman. The process to appoint the Aruban Ombudsman is in an advanced stage and an appointment is expected during the first quarter of 2024. Another … Read more

Ombudsman attends International Ombudsman Conference in Rome

GREAT BAY, The Ombudsman of Sint Maarten, Gwendolien Mossel, recently attended an International Ombudsman Conference, which was held from 21-22 September, 2023 in Rome, Italy. The theme of the conference was: ‘The role of Ombudsman in the world: between reality and possibility’. The conference was organized jointly by the Lazio Region, the Lazio Regional Council … Read more