Willemstad, March 4, 2014 -- An extraordinary meeting of the Council of the Caribbean Ombudsman Association (CAROA) took place in Sint Maarten from February 26 to 27, 2014. Sint Maarten was chosen for its central location in the region as the venue for the meeting, which facilitated travel for the Council Members. The meeting was deemed very fruitful.
The Council expresses its gratitude to the Parliament of Sint Maarten for allowing its Members to witness a meeting of the Central committee regarding the verdict of the Constitutional Court of Sint Maarten. It was a very informative and rewarding experience. The Council congratulates Dr. Arduin for an outstanding and professional presentation to Parliament regarding the role of the Ombudsman, the procedures to Constitutional Court and the first decision of the Court on November 8, 2013. The experience was a display of the growth and development of democracy in a young country, which stands out in the region with its Constitutional Court.
The Council thanked the Ombudsman of Sint Maarten, Dr. Nilda Arduin, who graciously offered her board room and all other facilities needed for the meeting.
The Council chaired by Ms. Alba Martijn, Ombudsman of Curacao, consisted of Mr. Walford Gumbs, Ombudsman of St. Kitts & Nevis and members Ms. Nicola Williams, Ombudsman of Cayman islands and Mr. Elton Georges, Ombudsman of Tortola BVI.
In keeping with the Constitution of CAROA, the Council resolved to invite Dr. Arduin to become a Member of the Council to replace Mr. Agar Alexander, the Ombudsman of Grenada, who demitted last year. Dr. Arduin accepted this invitation and is now the newest member of the Council. Still vacant is the post of honorary Secretary/Treasurer after the resignation of the Ombudsman of Trinidad & Tobago, Ms. Lynette Stephenson.
This post will be filled within short order. Other matters discussed and resolved during the meeting are among others the review of the Constitution of CAROA. Changes will be presented to the membership in the next biennial general meeting, scheduled to be held in May 2015. The last CAROA general meeting and Conference was held in May 2013 on Sint Maarten. A Secretariat to support the President and the honorary Secretary/Treasurer will be temporarily established in Curacao.
The President of the Caribbean Ombudsman Association
Ms. Alba Martijn LL.M.
Ombudsman of Curaçao
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