Ombudsman ready to serve people of St. Kitts and Nevis

By Melissa Bryant
Reporter~SKNVibes.com

Prime Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas and St. Kitts and Nevis Ombudsman Walford Gumbs

His Excellency Walford Gumbs, a former Speaker of the National Assembly and President of the St. Kitts-Nevis Trades and Labour Union, was appointed the Federation’s first-ever Ombudsman in August 2008.

Gumbs officially assumed the position in October with his formal appointment by the Governor-General acting upon the advice of the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Federal Opposition.

His office is located on West Independence Square Street and is housed in the Legal Aid building. Gumbs stated that citizens of the country are now free to access the office and should not be afraid to do so.

“The office is open to everyone regardless of their occupation, affiliations or religious beliefs, and no person should feel intimidated or be inhibited from accessing the Ombudsman service.

“Prohibitions may exist in relation to my ability to investigate matters under the scope of the law. For example, I have no control over matters of the court and their outcomes, but I have the capacity to listen to complaints and advise persons so that they are aware of the recourses that are available to them,” said Gumbs.

According to the Ombudsman Act of 2006, the Ombudsman is vested with the powers to investigate any administrative action taken by or on behalf of an authority where a complaint has been made by a person who claims to have been treated unjustly as a result of maladministration arising from or in connection with the administrative action taken by the authority. ~~Adz:Right~~

These authorities include organisations such as government institutions, boards and corporations.

Gumbs expressed his delight and humility at being chosen for the prestigious position and noted that he would do his best “to enforce and protect the rights of citizens”.

“I think I possess the qualities and capabilities to be effective in my duties. My age will not be an impediment to my ability to perform my job,” he stressed.

He further stated that the presence of an Ombudsman would help to sensitise the public as to their rights under the law. He also announced his intention to implement a marketing campaign within the next month.

“It will consist of a total media push and it is just an attempt to let people know the Ombudsman office is out there, the functions of the office and what can be done to serve their needs.

“Additionally, brochures outlining this information will be disseminated to the various government departments and offices. They will be a useful learning tool for the general public and part of the overall goal to educate the people of St. Kitts and Nevis,” Gumbs revealed.

The Ombudsman office can be accessed through Government Headquarters at 465-2521 ext. 1572 or at 466-5697.