Premier & Ombudsman To Meet Periodically

July 31, 2012

Arlene Brock, Ombudsman for Bermuda announced a new protocol following a meeting with Premier Paula Cox.

She noted: “Further to our 2011 Annual Report, Madam Premier requested to meet with me to discuss my concerns about the Constitutional independence of our office. We agreed to meet from time to time in future to ensure frank, cordial communication and clarification about procedural and other concerns.

The Ombudsman added: “While we may not be in full accord on every substantive issue, I am confident that such periodic communication will enhance mutual understanding, support for the oversight function of this office, and, shared commitment to promote the principles of good governance.”

Further she noted: “Our agreement is similar to Ontario where the Premier and Ombudsman try to meet quarterly and to a UK protocol with respect to meetings between the offices of the Ombudsman and the Secretary to the Cabinet.”

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Comments (3)

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  1. Hmmmmm says:

    Why ? Anything to dilute true leadership Paula. So sad.

  2. Pastor Syl Hayward says:

    If I were the Premier, I’d want a heads-up before heading into any more train wrecks coming my way.

    I have faith that Ms. Brock will remain non-partisan, and will be strong-minded enough, and care enough for this island and its people not to be brow-beaten into fudging or ignoring an issue due to Ministerial/Premier-ial (if there is such a word) pressure, should any such be applied.

  3. squeezeme! says:

    I think this is a good idea, we cannot entirely underestimate the Premier, forewarned is forearmed but I do believe that the Ombudsman Arlene Brook is quite capable of representing herself as well as The Premier Paula Cox, this meeting of the minds is important just the same as it should be with the Auditor Heather Jacobs. Maybe damage control in the sense of making one alert is not so bad and does’t change the jobs these women have to perform ultimately! After all they represent all of us!