|
| |
Contact:
John Emmanuel
Monday, August 25, 2003 - Newly appointed Parliamentary Commissioner Madison
Stanislaus has expressed his gratitude over the announcement of his appointment
and has vowed to continue along the lines of the former Commissioner, the late
Mr. Selwyn Vincent, in bringing greater recognition to the functions of the
office.
In his first interview following the announcement earlier this month, Stanislaus
told the Government Information Service, “I’m indeed very happy to have been
chosen to head this office and indeed grateful for the confidence that the
Governor General Her Excellency Dame Pearlette Louisy has placed in me.”
The new Parliamentary Commissioner, who will undertake a three year stint
commencing September 1, 2003, said he thought the office was quite relevant in
today’s society. “Since the very nature of the word ombudsman can literally be
translated as the agent or representative of the people, it is a very important
position. One that I think is quite relevant now especially in light of human
rights issues being high on the agenda.”
That recognition however he explained, has not blinded his mind to the realties
of today’s society and the fact that some of his predecessors were troubled over
the apparent lack of teeth or power of the ombudsman to effect change on the
part of the populace. “This is definitely one of the short comings of the
position. Without the appropriate executive powers one becomes like a toothless
bulldog lacking the power to put certain things right. However now that the
office has increasingly taken on added responsibilities and having expanded its
jurisdiction to deal with a broader range of issues like human rights, training,
management and institutional development, the sky seems to be the limit. I think
with the office being an alternative dispute resolution mechanism, it will deal
quite a lot with mediation and conciliation so as to deal adequately with
complaints and grievances. I certainly think that I can accomplish a great deal
of work however it boils down to the office in the end having some teeth, this
must be addressed somehow,” Stanislaus said.
The new ombudsman will take up his three-year assignment after the oath of
office has been administered.
|
