New ombudsman likely to be named by month end – Harmon

A new ombudsman is likely to be named by the end of April, Minister of State Joseph Harmon announced yesterday.

“…We did say by the end of the first quarter but by the end of April we would be in a position to make that announcement,” Harmon told a post-Cabinet press briefing.

The minister explained that the government is currently trying to identify a person who is suitable to take up the position.

The late justice Winston Moore held the position until his death last September.

Moore was appointed and sworn in by former president Donald Ramotar in January, 2014, after the post had been vacant for ten years.

Article 192 (1) of the Constitution says “…the Ombudsman may investigate any action taken by any department of Government or by any other authority to which this article applies, or by the President, Ministers, officers or members of such a department or authority, being action taken in the exercise of the administrative functions of that department or authority.”