The core task of the Ombudsman, a High Council of State of Sint Maarten, is the handling of complaints filed by the public against a government body, including government entities charged with public authority. The Ombudsman is limited to the authority outlined in the National Ordinance Ombudsman (AB 2013 no.20). The Ombudsman cannot handle civil complaints (between persons or against non-government entities). Your complaint must be against the conduct of government bodies or entities with public authority.
Anyone can file a complaint at the Ombudsman, natural persons as well as legal entities.
As guardian of the Constitution the Ombudsman is the only entity that can submit a law that has been ratified, and seems to be in conflict with the Constitution, to the Constitutional Court for total or partial annulment before it goes into effect.
Call us at (+1) 721 542-1250 or (+1) 721 542-1243 or pass by daily between 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. at the Bureau at E.C. Richardson Street #13, Philipsburg. For consultation visit us on Monday–Wednesday or Friday between 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Dr. Rachnilda (Nilda) Arduin
Ombudsman Sint Maarten
In office since October 10, 2010
Do you have a complaint against a department or government entity? The Ombudsman is the defender of the public and will investigate your complaint in a fair, transparent and impartial manner.
The Ombudsman handles only complaints against a government department or government entity charged with public authority.
Learn How to File a Complaint →-
Ombudsman concludes Systemic Investigation regarding Dismissal Advisory Committee
The Ombudsman recently concluded a Systemic Investigation regarding the Dismissal Advisory Committee (DAC), initiated as result of a complaint filed by a lawyer on behalf of GEBE N.V...
Published: 26 September 2018 -
Ombudsman organizes workshop for SZV staff
On Friday, September 14, 2018 the Bureau Ombudsman facilitated a workshop for key staff of SZV, geared towards understanding 'propriety' in serving the public, complaints and complaint handling...
Published: 17 September 2018 -
Ombudsman concludes Systemic Investigation regarding Disaster Management Plan
The Ombudsman recently concluded a Systemic Investigation, initiated after the hurricanes of September 2017, regarding the state of preparedness of the government of Sint Maarten...
Published: 10 August 2018