Retired Justice Winston Horatio Patterson was on Wednesday sworn in by President David Granger as the Ombudsman of Guyana during a simple ceremony at State House, Main Street.
The position has been vacant since the passing of Justice Winston Moore in September 2016.
The Office of the Ombudsman is an independent body providing free services in investigating complaints by members of the public who feel that they have been unfairly treated by public entities.
Justice Patterson told reporters after he took the oath of office that he was humbled and privileged to take up the position to continue his service to the country.
He, however, declined to comment on the issue of the two reports on controversial matters which were compiled by his predecessor, noting that he has not even seen his new office.
“I can’t comment on that at this stage. I haven’t even yet seen the office,” he stated.
One of the reports focused on the dismissal of several employees of the New Building Society (NBS) in connection to a multimillion-dollar fraud at the entity.
Moreover, President Granger, in brief remarks, explained that the Constitution of Guyana prescribed from the start, at the time of independence in 1966, the establishment of an Ombudsman.
He noted that Guyana became the first country in the western hemisphere and the second Commonwealth State to enshrine the position of Ombudsman in its Constitution.
“The decision to establish an Ombudsman in Guyana had its genesis in the Report of the British Guiana Commission of Inquiry constituted by the International Commission of Jurists October 1965: Racial Problems in the Public Service,” he stated.
He underscored the Ombudsman has been described as a protector and defender of citizens against injustices caused by maladministration.
“The Ombudsman provides an important service to the public. 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,” he stated.
The Head of State had earlier in the day met with the Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo to engage in consultations regarding the appointment in accordance with the Constitution of Guyana.
Justice Patterson has served in several capacities since his retirement.
Most recently, he served on the tribunal set up to investigate and recommend whether or not Carvil Duncan, then Chairman of the Public Service Commission ought to be removed from office for inability to discharge the functions of said office.
Justice Patterson also worked as Registrar of the Judiciary in Guyana and St Kitts and Nevis; as Magistrate, Chief Magistrate/Provost Marshal in the Magistrate’s Court in Barbados; in the Family Court in St Vincent and the Grenadines, and in the Magistrate’s Court in the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis.
