His report also spoke about another challenge he observed: that some government departments were reluctant to implement the Ombudsman's recommendations or respond to the office's queries. The report states, quote, "it is obvious that Principal Officers are demonstrating blatant disregard for their legal mandate to adhere to the principles of fairness, justice, and the rule of law." End quote.
He lamented this "blatant disregard" yesterday.
Gilbert Swaso, Ombudsman
"It appears to me that when as the stated that when investigations are to be initiated certain principal officers have to be notified that there exists a complaint against a respective ministry, a respective department or authority as the law stipulates. There are several occasion when the office of the ombudsman, particularly who decides to conduct an investigation based on complaints that are lodged, it remains where those heads of department or principal officers on numerous occasions fail to respond within the stipulated time as directed by law or by the office of the ombudsman. That in my view signals one either lack of awareness of the role and responsibilities of the ombudsman or a blatant disregard for the adherence to the rule of law or it could be perhaps issues as it relates to a lack of awareness among other things within the service. Now that is unfortunate because it is my humble view that when anyone is appointed a head of department, CEO, principal officer, they must become aware of what their roles and responsibilities are, particularly as it relates to the adherence to the statute, the rule of law and to the constitution and it appears as if though they were not full aware or they may be some delay in responding because there are instances in which they claim that they are busy so we need to keep reminding them that they need to act within the confines of the law."
That may likely be Swaso's final report as Ombudsman, and today the People's National Party issued a press release expressing their concern over the decision to not renew his contract. The release states, quote, "the timing of this action-occurring while he is involved in a major Freedom of Information appeal-raises troubling questions about the administration's commitment to transparency and accountability." End quote.
The PNP added that with the government challenging the Ombudsman's ruling in court, it creates quote, "the appearance that he is being penalized for upholding the public's right to know."
