Last week the team of the National Ombudsman and the Ombudsman for Children visited the islands of Saba and St. Eustatius. Due to corona the last visit was more than two years ago. Spread over three walk-in sessions, the team received more than 40 questions and complaints.
The complaints and signals received by the National Ombudsman's team concern various government agencies. Both central government bodies and the local government (the Public Entity). A group of parents also shared their concerns about schools and youth protection with the Ombudsman for Children. It was striking that residents came up with multiple complaints about various topics.
The team also spoke to single parents and children about parenting. These conversations were very valuable for our research on parenting in poverty.
Coordinator Gaby von Maltzahn: 'It was nice that we were there again. The residents had a great need to tell their story. Physical presence and visibility seem to be prerequisites for successful walk-in sessions and meetings.'
Naturally, the team of the National Ombudsman and the Ombudsman for Children also handles all complaints and signals they receive digitally. Where necessary, they reach out to the relevant government agencies for the correct handling of complaints.
Consultation hours Bonaire
From March 8, the team of the National Ombudsman will also be back on Bonaire. Locations and times will be announced shortly. These can therefore be read on nationaleombudsman.nl/caribisch-nederland and dekinderombudsman.nl.