Appointment Of Human Rights Commissioners

March 22, 2019

The Bermuda Human Rights Commission confirmed the appointment of Human Rights Commissioners for the 2019-2021 term.

A spokesperson said, “On behalf of the Selection and Appointment Committee, the Bermuda Human Rights Commission [Commission] is pleased to confirm the appointment of Human Rights Commissioners [Commissioners] for the 2019-2021 term.

“In accordance with Section 13[1] and 13[1A] of the Human Rights Act, 1981 [Act], the Selection and Appointment Committee [Committee] has the statutory authority to appoint a body of not less than five [5] nor more than twelve [12] persons who will be referred to as Commissioners and who shall be appointed for such terms not exceeding three years at a time. The Committee members were Ms. Linda Foggo Franks, Mr. Willie Ferguson, Mr. Dean Williams, Mr. Lorren Wilson and led by the Head, Ms. Nadine Francis.

“The Committee has responsibility to appoint a representative group of individuals reflective of Bermuda’s community who will serve as Human Rights Commissioners. The recruitment process takes place every three [3] years. The following individuals have been appointed to serve for the 2019-2021 term:

  • Mr. Vaughn Caines, Commissioner – Chairperson
  • Mr. Ed Ball, Jr., Commissioner – Deputy Chairperson
  • Mr. Rajeev Goonewardene, Commissioner
  • Ms. Mary Lodge, Commissioner
  • Ms. Charleda Mahon Gibbons, Commissioner
  • Mr. James McCulloch, Commissioner
  • Mr. Kai Musson, Commissioner
  • Mr. Ravi Pachai, Commissioner
  • Mr. Alex Potts, Commissioner
  • Ms. Cristen Seuss, Commissioner
  • Ms. Jessica Steede, Commissioner
  • Ms. Stacey-Lee Williams, Commissioner

“The Selection and Appointment Committee Head, Ms. Nadine Francis, reflected on the unique nature of the process and the extensive interest from the public: ‘The calibre of the applicants was impressive. It was exciting to see such interest from across the Bermuda community to serve in this important role. This is not a traditional recruitment exercise, and narrowing the pool of candidates from seventy [70] down to twelve [12] was a very difficult task. The Committee was mindful that the composition of the final twelve should: [a] reflect the diversity of perspective on island; [b] ensure that the collective body would have experience and be skilled in providing governance oversight and; [c] be grounded in their fundamental support for the mandate of the Commission. We are confident that those selected will take up this important duty with the diligence it deserves.’

“The public application process was implemented in 2012, following the Human Rights Commission’s quest to create a more open and inclusive process for Commissioner appointments. This was a significant evolution, and replaced the former model of Ministerial appointment for all Board members.

“The Executive Officer, Lisa Reed, extended her appreciation to the Selection and Appointment Committee, saying, “The Committee volunteered a significant amount of their time and expertise in completing their statutory obligations to guide this important process.

“We are appreciative of the consideration they extended to filling each Commissioner post to create a diverse body that reflects expertise, plurality, commitment and respect toward upholding rights that underpins our work at the Commission. The Commissioners will now undertake orientation and training, as provided for each new cohort, to help support them in their new duties. The Commission looks forward to featuring our new Commissioners and sharing more about the work of the Commissioners in our national human rights institution.’

Ms. Francis added: ‘We wish to extend our thanks to each applicant who took the time to express their passion for human rights and their commitment to advocating for the human rights of persons in Bermuda. The Selection and Appointment Committee is encouraged and hopeful that each of the applicants will remain dedicated to effecting social change in Bermuda through the advancement of human rights.’”

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  1. sandgrownan says:

    “The Selection and Appointment Committee is encouraged and hopeful that each of the applicants will remain dedicated to effecting social change in Bermuda through the advancement of human rights.’”

    Presumably, they’ll take an immediate stand against the PLP ostracization of the gay community?