GREAT BAY, From March 31 to April 2, 2025, the Regional President for the Caribbean and Latin America, Mr. Keursly Concincion—who also serves as the Ombudsman of Curaçao—hosted the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI) Regional Board Meeting in Curaçao. Established in 1978, the IOI is the global organization dedicated to fostering cooperation among 205 independent Ombudsman … Read more
GREAT BAY, The Ombudsman has identified a concerning uptick in domestic violence cases reported at the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025, many of which involve children. During the initial stages of information gathering, serious questions were raised about the adequacy of the services provided by government institutions to individuals affected by such … Read more
GREAT BAY, Ombudsman Gwendolien Mossel has submitted proposed amendments to the national ordinance governing the Ombudsman institution to the Department of Legal Affairs and Legislation (JZ&W). This submission was made through the honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina for legal and legislative review. The proposed amendments aim to enhance the functioning of the Ombudsman institution, … Read more
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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