GREAT BAY–Parliament on Wednesday considered the reappointment of Gwendolien Mossel as Ombudsman of St. Maarten for a second and final seven-year term, as provided for under Article 2 of the National Ordinance on the Ombudsman.
Chairlady of Parliament Sarah Wescot-Williams opened the agenda point by outlining the procedure. “According to the ordinance, Parliament appoints an Ombudsman for a term of seven years, and the Ombudsman may be reappointed once for a second term,” she said. “The Ombudsman serves as an independent institution whose main role is to investigate complaints about the conduct of administrative authorities, ensuring fairness, legality, and good governance. The Ombudsman also acts as guardian of the Constitution by reviewing adopted national ordinances for possible conflicts with the Constitution.”
Mrs. Mossel’s first term began on January 1, 2019, and is set to end on December 31, 2025. In a letter dated June 12, 2025, registered under IS1164, Mrs. Mossel informed Parliament of her availability and willingness to continue serving as Ombudsman for a second term. Parliament must now consider and approve her reappointment for a term beginning January 1, 2026.
The Ombudsman’s constitutional role includes investigating complaints against government bodies, ensuring good governance, and reporting findings to Parliament. Additionally, under Sint Maarten’s constitutional framework, the Ombudsman may submit adopted national ordinances to the Constitutional Court for review if potential conflicts with the Constitution are identified. Chairlady Wescot-Williams recalled that the Ombudsman has exercised this authority on several occasions, strengthening Sint Maarten’s checks and balances system.
During Wednesday’s session, Member of Parliament Raeyhon Peterson voiced full support for Mossel’s reappointment. “I commend Ombudsman Mossel on her work so far. I am in full favor of extending her term, given her consistent pursuit of accountability through systemic investigations and her measured approach to ensuring fairness and transparency in governance,” he said.
MP Francisco Lacroes also took the floor, referencing the Ombudsman’s 2020 annual report and noting an unspent budget allocation of NAf 136,422. He urged clarity on how the funds would be addressed. “I hope that in the upcoming budget amendment we see that the same issue does not repeat. If necessary, I would bring a motion to ensure these funds are put to proper use,” he said.
In response, the Chairlady said the Ombudsman will be invited to Parliament to present and discuss the institution’s most recent annual report, which will provide clarity on budget utilization. “The annual reports are a legal requirement, and the discussion on the latest report is still to take place. That session will allow us to review both financial and operational matters,” she said.
Parliament will now prepare a report of the meeting so that the reappointment proposal can move to a public meeting for final handling and approval.
Source: The Peoples Tribune https://tribune-site.webflow.io//articles/parliament-moves-to-reappoint-ombudsman-gwendolyn-mossel-for-a-second-term
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