Modern, smart Ombudsman needed

EDITOR: I note with interest, a social media call from a popular leeward farmer, asking for an Ombudsman to be put in place in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. I further note the numerous positive responses to his call. Many remind that the NDP 1983 election campaign promised an Ombudsman. One commentator hopes that the current administration would put an Ombudsman in place within the next two years, adding that such an officer is needed.

While strong activism and advocacy may be lacking in Vincy land, do not mistakenly think that ‘vincy ain vigilant. “ ah telling you, dem nar ah sleep”.

The first Ombudsman offices in the Commonwealth Caribbean were established in the 1970s and 1980s, with Guyana (1980) and Trinidad and Tobago (1977) among the pioneers. The Ombudsman focused on maladministration; cases of undue delay, rudeness, unfairness, abuse of discretionary power by government departments.

However, a modern Ombudsman should also act as a critical player in the integrity framework, referring cases of suspected corruption to authorities. The role should also encompass a broader human rights and good governance agenda. The Ombudsman should not just be a grievance person for bureaucratic red tape issues. Poor conditions at prisons and at mental health institutions should be dealt with. I remember that as a 70’s student of political science, I viewed the Ombudsman as a colonial import.

Today, I recognize that an Ombudsman is essential and relevant, if only because it may provide a non-judicial, easily accessible avenue for citizens to seek redress, without costly litigation. But we need a modern, smart, Ombudsman. We need one who will use technology effectively, such as user friendly online portals, public education and outreach on the role and function of an Ombudsman.

Interestingly, in Jamaica, in late 2022, the office of Ombudsman became vacant. As of 2026, the office of Ombudsman is no longer existing as an independent stand alone entity. Its complete infrastructure and legal responsibilities have been absorbed by the nine member Electoral Commission of Jamaica, ECJ, causing public disputes and controversy. Some assert that the Ombudsman should be fully entrenched in the constitution of Jamaica.

If the office of Ombudsman has limited funding, is under resourced, under staffed, its impact will be constrained. ‘ An you dun know no money na day’.

Finally, do we need a toothless Ombudsman? Not to mention, would an Ombudsman in St. Vincent and the Grenadines be shielded from political manipulation or easy legislative alteration?

Would an ombudsman investigate and dismantle political tribalism and coercion during, as well as out of election time?

Anyone thinking that political tribalism is a thing of the past and does not influence the allocation of scarce benefits, jobs, positions, contracts, may be indeed blind.

Maralyn Ballantyne
LLB. Hons.