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Cayman: Public Meeting of the Ombudsman Committee Rescheduled

GEORGE TOWN, 28th January 2025

The Standing Select Committee to Oversee the Performance of the Office of the Ombudsman
(“the Ombudsman Committee”) has announced a new date for its public televised meeting.
The meeting will now be held on 19th February 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, in the
Chamber of the House of Parliament.

The agenda for the public meeting lists the 2023 Annual Report from the Office of the
Ombudsman as its primary discussion topic. The Ombudsman, Mrs. Sharon Roulstone, will
respond to Members’ questions and provide the public with information from the report,
which was Tabled in the Parliament on 24th July, 2024 in the Third Sitting of the Fourth
Meeting of the 2023-2024 Session.

Chairman of the Committee, Mr. Bernie A. Bush, MP, emphasised the importance of public
engagement: “The Office of the Ombudsman plays an essential role in ensuring that the
public’s concerns are addressed fairly and impartially. This meeting reflects our commitment
to transparency while creating opportunities for the public to better understand the work of
the Ombudsman and her team.”

Committee Member Mr. Christopher Saunders, MP, echoed these sentiments, adding: “It is
vital that the people of the Cayman Islands are aware of the resources available to them
through the Office of the Ombudsman. Holding these meetings publicly not only informs the
community but also reinforces the importance of good governance and oversight.”

The Ombudsman Committee is a Standing Select Committee established at the beginning of
each parliamentary term through a Government Motion. Its primary mandate is to review
the performance and budget of the Office of the Ombudsman, in accordance with Parliament
Standing Orders and the Ombudsman Act. The Committee operates with a quorum of three
Members and prepares an annual report on its activities for submission to Parliament.

Under Standing Order 72(5), select committees are to meet in private unless authorised by a
resolution to do otherwise. In 2022, the Committee approved a resolution allowing it to hold
meetings in the Chamber during the 2021–2025 Term. The meeting is intended to provide
the public with greater insight into the activities of the Office of the Ombudsman, and to
promote awareness of the resources available to the community.

The current Members of the Ombudsman Committee are:


 Mr. Bernie A. Bush, MP – Chair
 Hon. Johany S. “Jay” Ebanks, MP – Member
 Mr. Christopher S. Saunders, MP – Member
 Hon. Joseph X. Hew, MP – Member
 Mr. David C. Wight, JP, MP – Member

This rescheduled public meeting underscores the Committee’s dedication to fostering
transparency and accountability. The public is invited to tune in to the proceedings through
the Government’s YouTube channel. Follow the Parliament’s Facebook and Instagram stories
for more ways to tune in. The public are also welcome to attend in person at the House of
Parliament after registering with Security.

For more information about the Ombudsman Committee and its functions, please visit the
Parliament’s official website: https://parliament.ky/business/committees/ombudsman-
committee
.

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