Government of Saint Lucia

 PSA on the role of the Parliamentary Commissioner

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T

he Parliamentary Commissioner or Ombudsman is an Officer of Parliament – a public official, appointed by the Governor General, after consultation with the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition.  This Officer is independent of government and all political parties.

 

The role of the Ombudsman is to protect the people against violation of rights, abuses of power, error, negligence, unfair decisions and maladministration by government agencies or departments. The goal is to improve public administration and to foster a cordial relationship between members of the public and the officers who provide service to the public.

 

If you have a problem or a complaint against an agency or department of government and you want it investigated, come in at our office located upstairs the Y De Lima Building on the William Peter Boulevard. We will be happy to assist you and we will try our best to resolve your problem.  This is a free service to the Public.  Our telephone numbers are 452-5588.

 

THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMISSIONER THE CHAMPION OF THE PEOPLE.

 

 

T

he Office of the Parliamentary Commissioner was established to receive and investigate citizens’ complaints against administrative acts of government.  If you have a problem or a complaint against an administrative act of government and you would like it to be investigated, come in or telephone us and we will try our best to resolve your problem.

 

You can get in touch with us by telephone, email, or drop in at our office located on the William Peter Boulevard, upstairs the Y De Lima building.

 

We have a team of friendly staff willing to listen to your problems and to act appropriately.

 

We would love to hear from you – so call us at telephone number 452-5588.

 

THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMISSIONER – THE IMPARTIAL INVESTIGATOR.

 

  

Y

ou have the right to complain, if you think that an administrative act by a Government agency or Department has caused you to suffer some discomfort.  You have the right to be heard, to be understood and to be respected by public officers.  Therefore, if you have a complaint and you have suffered some discomfort from an official in any Government Ministry or Department, you should address the matter immediately.

 

The Parliamentary Commissioner knows that the right to complain against administrative injustices empowers all citizens, particularly those who are often powerless and marginalized in our society.

 

Please do not leave complaints against a Government agency or department on the back burner or decide to do something about it next month … No – do it now.

 

We are waiting to see you and discuss your complaints any time during the week.  Our offices are opened Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

 

THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMISSIONER – PROTECTING INDIVIDUALS AGAINST ADMINISTRATIVE INJUSTICE.

 

 

 

I

f you believe that any Government Department or Statutory Authority has treated you unfairly, you can lodge a complaint with the Parliamentary Commissioner, who will investigate the matter.

 

The Office of the Parliamentary Commissioner was established to assist persons who believe that they have sustained an injustice because of mal-administration.

 

Mal-administration includes unnecessary delays, or failure to follow proper procedures, negligence, wrong decisions or improper service.

 

If you have experienced any of these situations, you could request that the Parliamentary Commissioner look into the matter.

 

We can be contacted on the

William Peter Boulevard, Castries – Upstairs the Y De Lima Building.

Our telephone number is 452-5588.

 

THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMISSIONER –

THE DEFENDER OF THE PEOPLE

 

  

P

eople make complaints to the Parliamentary Commissioner because they are unhappy with a decision, the level of service they have received, or the behavior of staff in a department or agency of government.  The Office of the Parliamentary Commissioner investigates precisely why people are unhappy, what they believe should have happened, and what they want to happen.

 

The Office gives assistance to persons who believe they have sustained an injustice because of a fault in administration.  In other words, we aim to get things put right if they have gone wrong.

 

The Parliamentary Commissioner does not have to investigate all complaints from the public.  He does not investigate complaints that fall outside of his jurisdiction.  For example, he does not investigate cases:

 

·       Against private individuals, including lawyers in private practice and professionals and also Non-governmental organizations

·       That involve Land Ownership, Civil and criminal proceedings before the courts or cases in the hands of Lawyers;

·       That relate to Policy decisions of Government Ministers.

 

 

H

aving problems or concerns with a Government Department?  - Well, the Parliamentary Commissioner is here to help you.

 

The Parliamentary Commissioner, also referred to as the Ombudsman, is appointed to investigate complaints by members of the public against Government departments and Statutory Authorities. 

 

If you believe for any reason that you have suffered an injustice by a Government agency or department, please call your Parliamentary Commissioner immediately or visit us at our office.

 

We are located on the:

 

William Peter Boulevard, Castries – Upstairs the Y De- Lima Building.  Our telephone number is 452-5588.

 

THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMISSIONER…

YOUR SOLUTION TO ADMINISTRATIVE

INJUSTICE

 

 

A

re you in doubt as to whether the Parliamentary Commissioner can investigate your complaint?  You could write, or call the office.  Our telephone number is 452-5588.  We would be pleased to help you.  Our services are free.

 

The Parliamentary Commissioner may investigate complaints related to the administrative functions of Government Agencies and Departments, including Ministries, Statutory Authorities partly or wholly financed by the Government and Town and Village Councils.

 

All information given by complainants is treated confidentially.

 

The Parliamentary Commissioner may be contacted on the

William Peter Boulevard, Castries – Upstairs the Y De Lima Building.

 

THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMISSIONER –

BREAKING THE CHAINS OF INJUSTICE

 

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