Retired Justice Winston Patterson was yesterday sworn in by President David Granger as Guyana’s new Ombudsman.
Patterson takes over from the late Justice (retired), Winston Moore. The latter served from January 2014 until his death in September last year.
Granger, according to a Ministry of the Presidency release, said that the position of Ombudsman is of significant importance to the nation, as the holder advocates for members of the public against injustices caused by maladministration.
“The services of the Ombudsman are free and timely.
The Ombudsman serves as watchdog, guarding against abuse or the violation of citizens’ rights by public officials and their departments and authorities. The Ombudsman is the public advocate,” the President said during his address.
The President said that Guyana was the first country in the western hemisphere and the second Commonwealth state to enshrine the position of Ombudsman in its Constitution. Article 192 (1) of Guyana’s Constitution states that 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 exercise of the administrative functions of that department or authority.”
Justice Patterson, during brief comments to the media, said that he is honoured to be called once again to serve his country and that he will endeavour to do his best.
