The Tribune

By JADE RUSSELL

Tribune Staff Reporter

jrussell@tribunmedia.net

THE committee responsible for selecting the Ombudsman, who will investigate complaints against government agencies and public bodies for maladministration, will receive their formal appointments next week.

Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis announced this during his contribution to the debate on the Independent Commission of Investigations Bill, 2024, and the Protected Disclosure Bill, 2025, in the House of Assembly.

Under the Ombudsman Act, 2024, the committee includes the prime minister, the leader of the opposition, a representative of the Judicial and Legal Service Commission, a representative of the Public Service Commission, the president of The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation, and a civil society member recommended by an umbrella organisation of civil society groups.

Mr Davis said the committee’s role is to identify and recommend a candidate with integrity, independence, and legal expertise to serve as the country’s first Ombudsman.

“This is not a political appointment — this is an appointment based on merit, competence, and a commitment to upholding the highest standards of fairness and justice,” he said.

He said the Office of the Ombudsman will be an “important tool” for resolving complaints of maladministration, investigating breaches of fundamental rights, and ensuring government services operate fairly, efficiently, and without bias or corruption. It will also advise on human rights compliance, review legislation for consistency with international standards, and recommend ways to improve governance.

Attorney General Ryan Pinder told The Tribune in January that the government aimed to establish the Office of the Ombudsman in the first quarter of 2025, noting that extensive groundwork was needed, including defining job roles and creating training modules.