Low response to call for ombudsman applicants

PHILIPSBURG–Only two applications have been received in the second round of the search for the country’s new ombudsman.

  Parliament Chairwoman Sarah Wescot-Williams told the press on Monday the situation will be discussed with the presidium of Parliament in the coming days to determine the way forward.

  By law, the Chairman of the Audit Chamber, Vice Chair of the Council of Advice and the Head of the Joint Court of Justice are responsible for the selection process.

They review the candidates and recommend the top two to Parliament for appointment.

  The current legislation allows for a sitting ombudsman to be re-appointed for another two-year term. However, in the case of current ombudsman Dr. Nilda Arduin, the cut off of age 70 comes into play. The National Ordinance regulating the ombudsman states in article five, subsection B – Parliament shall dismiss the Ombudsman upon reaching the age of 70.

  The term of Arduin comes to an end in October. She is the country’s first ombudsman. The bureau came into existence in October 2010 when St. Maarten became a country within the Dutch Kingdom.

Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/68989-low-response-to-call-for-ombudsman-applicants

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