The Ombudsman for Bermuda, Victoria Pearman, and the Caribbean Ombudsman Association (CAROA) will host the 10th Biennial CAROA Conference & Training on May 28th – 31st at the Fairmont Southampton Resort in Bermuda.
“As the CAROA Regional President for the Caribbean and Latin America region, I am pleased to host our biennial conference in Bermuda. The conference was last held here in 2008,” said Ms Pearman.
“The conference theme is Strengthening the Role and Performance of the Ombudsman and Human Rights Institutions in the Caribbean and Latin America. The programme will comprise informative sessions to benefit us, but also there are specific topics of interest to Bermuda,” she added.
“We are extending an invitation to the public to attend the opening session on May 28th from 9am – 12pm.
“Deputy Premier and Minister for Home Affairs, Walter Roban will give the opening remarks, and Dr Victor Ayeni will give a keynote message.
“This will be followed by a panel discussion on the subject, Strengthening Relationships while Maintaining Independence.
“Featured local panelists are: Gitanjali Gutierrez, Information Commissioner’s Office; Venous Memari, Centre for Justice; Lisa Reed, Human Rights Commission; Jonathan Bell, The Royal Gazette; and Gary Moreno, Bermuda Broadcasting Co Ltd
“The second session on May 29th from 9am – 10:30am is open to the public and discussion that day will focus on Climate Change and Ombudsmanship.”
The conference will conclude on May 31st with the CAROA General Membership Meeting and election of its council for the 2019-2021 term.
Conference participants will receive training following the conference with Dr Victor Ayeni, a well-known international authority on the Ombudsman and related oversight institutions; Dr Ayeni was also a proponent of establishing CAROA.
The theme for the training is Advancing the Ombudsman’s Impact, Role, Service and Performance.
The Office of the Ombudsman would like to advise members of the public that the Office will be closed on the 28th – 31st May as all staff will be assisting with the conference and participating in the training.
Should the public need immediate assistance, please contact info@ombudsman.bm or leave a voicemail on 536-6283 as messages will be monitored.
To RSVP, contact caroaconference2019@gmail.com or call the Office of the Ombudsman on 296-6541 by May 21st.
- The Office of the Ombudsman for Bermuda is an independent, non-government office that provides an impartial form of alternative dispute resolution which is less formal and more flexible and accessible than going through the Courts. The Ombudsman’s staff investigates complaints about the administrative actions of Public Authorities, including Government Departments, Boards and Bodies established or funded by the Legislature. Visit: www.ombudsman.bm
- For more information contact OMBUDSMAN FOR BERMUDA Suite 102 • 14 Dundonald Street West • Hamilton HM 09 • Bermuda TEL 441-296-6541 • www.ombudsman.bm • complaint@ombudsman.bm
