The Ombudsman of Sint Maarten, Dr. Nilda Lynch-Arduin has completed the SYT training organized by the International Ombudsman Institute I.O.I.) in Vienna from June 4th to June 9th 2011.
The Ombudsman is eager to return to implement all the newly acquired techniques and skills. In her own words: "I left Vienna with raised awareness regarding the task, powers and tools available to the Ombudsman to execute the job."
The training was attended by some forty Ombudsman from countries such as Indonesia, Netherlands, Fiji, Slovenia, Austria, Uganda, Romania, Serbia, Ireland, St. Lucia, Taiwan and many others. In addition to the training the Ombudsman was able to establish contacts with other ombudsman important for building the international network. The I.O.I. currently represents some 140 ombudsman from 75 different countries all over the world.
During the conference Dr. Lynch-Arduin was privileged to meet with the Secretary General of the International Ombudsman Institute Dr. Peter Kostelka; membership of the Ombudsman Institute of Sint Maarten to the I.O.I. was discussed. Upon Dr. Lynch-Arduin’s return the procedures for same will be initiated.
In the Netherlands the meetings with the National Ombudsman of the Netherlands
Dr. A.F. M. Brenninkmeijer and Dr. Ulco van der Pol, Ombudsman of the Municipality of Amsterdam and surroundings were very successful; commitments were made to organize exchange of knowledge, training and internship, as well as consultation and assistance with literature and other material.
During her visit with the Ombudsman of Amsterdam Dr. Lynch-Arduin was introduced to other local Ombudsmen, and learned about the "growing pains" of the newly established Child Ombudsman.
The Ombudsman is on the last leg of her trip: she is presently in Curacao where she will be one of the speakers on the general theme of the conference: ‘The Duty of Confidentiality, the Core of Trust".
Upon her return a press conference will be organized at which time the Ombudsman will give a detailed report of her trip, as well as present her Year Report of 2010 to the public via the Media.