Minister of Public Health, Social
Development, and Labor (VSA), Hon. Richinel Brug, met with Ombudsman Ms.
Gwendolien Mossel. This meeting, initiated at the Minister’s request, served as a
formal introduction and a platform to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation between
the Ministry of VSA and the Ombudsman’s office.
Minister Brug expressed his gratitude to the Ombudsman for accepting his request and
emphasized his commitment to transparency and accountability. While there has not
been an official Council of Minister’s onboarding process due to the timing of the
swearing in process, he deemed it necessary to meet and gain insights into any
pending cases related to the Ministry of VSA.
Following introductions between the Ombudsman’s staff and the Minister’s cabinet,
an in-depth and productive discussion took place. Several key matters were brought
to the Minister’s attention. The most important one being the delayed appointments
and processing times at the department of Social Services for social and medical
aid applicants as well as the gross number of labor infractions that are currently
taking place on island. The Ombudsman had expressed the former in a previous
letter to Minister Brug.
Later this month an interactive session has been scheduled between the Ombudsman
office and the Ministry of VSA whereby the role and responsibilities of the
Ombudsman’s office will be explained to staff members. The aim is to provide the staff
of the ministry with a deeper understanding of the Ombudsman’s investigative
procedures.
Minister Brug described the meeting as insightful and constructive, reaffirming his
commitment to addressing the concerns raised. He thanked the Ombudsman and her
team for their time and emphasized the importance of continuous dialogue and
collaboration.
The Minister also encouraged individuals with VSA-related concerns to seek
assistance from the Ministry before escalating matters to the Ombudsman’s office.
He reiterated that, “It is not Government against the citizen, but rather Government
working to facilitate the well-being of every citizen of St. Maarten. If persons feel
they cannot reach out to the Ministry, my office always remains open.
Additionally, every last Friday of the Month I will be in a neighborhood to hear
your concerns and feedback”
The Ministry of VSA looks forward to further engagement with the Ombudsman’s office
and remains dedicated to improving services and strengthening accountability for
the benefit of the people of St. Maarten.