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NEWS
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archived news
News Articles | Press Releases
22nd July 2009
To all Media: Ombudsman elected to Board of Directors of the International Ombudsman Institute
Ms. Arlene Brock, Ombudsman for Bermuda, was elected to the Board of Directors of the International Ombudsman Institute at their quadrennial conference in June. The two other Directors from Latin America and the Caribbean are the Ombudsmen for Mexico and Trinidad and Tobago. Ms. Brock was also selected to be the Regional Vice-President.
This year, some 350 representatives from over 150 national and regional Ombudsman offices around the world gathered in Sweden, the birthplace of the modern Ombudsman institution, to celebrate its 200th Anniversary.
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6th July 2009 Press Conference
Special Report of Systemic Investigation into Allegations of Barriers to Access at the Bermuda Archives
Opening Statement - CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY
When people who have dedicated their lives to promoting Bermuda's heritage say that they have given up on using the Archives, we have to pay attention. When a Senior Civil Servant who tried in the past to improve internal processes described that intervention as "psychological warfare", then clearly, something is not quite right. When staff were willing to swear on oath that they had been instructed not to reveal certain information to the public, then it became obvious that complaints were not just making it all up.
This Report shines a light on the Archives which some people believe is long overdue. Although not on many people's radar, the Archives are a key national institution in any country. The Archives hold our written history as well as the modern records of Government. When we need to 'set the record straight' – we often need the Archives. Therefore, the Archives cannot be the preserve of only the initiated and the favoured.
"Sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants" (the late US Jusitice Louis Brandeis). The 'devil is in the details' – and the nuances. For example, the Rebuttal describes my Recommendation of annual, itemized accounts of the Special Purchase Fund to the Archives Advisory council as "redundant" – because the council is informed of purchases. Actually, the Council has not been informed of all purchases, and the last time it was given an accounting of the fund (purchases and balance) was in October 2005. My Recommendation stands.
This is about the integrity of the Archives, one of the jewels in Bermuda's crown. Our Archives must begin to play a central and more deliberate role in facilitating, promoting and exposing Bermuda's rich written heritage.
I have made Recommendations that I am confident will help the Archives to get back on track. The statutory response date for the Cabinet Office to notify me of the actions taken to give effect or not to the Recommendations is August 28, 2009.
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3rd July 2009
Ombudsman Finds Long-Standing Concerns about Access to Bermuda Archives
Following an extensive investigation, Arlene Brock, Ombudsman for Bermuda, today presented to Parliament a Special Report of her investigation into allegations of barriers to access to the Bermuda Archives.
Ms. Brock finds that "the lack of policies for users and staff contributes to inefficiency and perceived arbitrary public service" and that "the inadequacy of tools that can identify records is tantamount to a barrier to access to the records themselves". Further, the Ombudsman notes that there is "considerable tension" in the repository that "impacts on the research environment as well as on the confidence of staff".
Ms. Brock remarks that a number of the concerns raised during the investigation (about, for example, prohibitive use fees for materials and uncooperativeness with the larger heritage community) had been raised in the past but not fully addressed. As a consequence, persons doing important work of educational and cultural value for Bermuda sometimes just gave up or tried all other resources before going to the Archives.
One challenge has been that the Archives are not on the radar of most people. Ms. Brock concludes that "the Archives must play a fundamental role as Bermuda shapes a national identity. As we lament the increase today in our community of violence, intolerance and other forms of acrimony, it is instructive to consider to what extent the rich content of the Archives can contribute to our collective and mutual esteem. By facing our history, we can perhaps embrace ourselves...This means that the Archives must not only be open to all, but also must strive to be an experience that invites us to return again and again."
When Bermuda decided to create the institution of the Ombudsman as a mechanism for good governance, the intention was that the Ombudsman would do the job without fear or favour. Sometimes the best way to fix problems is to shine a light on them. The Report may be tough medicine to swallow but was needed to move things forward. The Recommendations include: the hiring of a Mentor-Manager to audit the status of projects, develop a vision of the role of the Archives for Bermuda as well as appropriate strategies to accomplish tasks and inspire staff; a more robust role for the Archives Advisory council; and, better outreach and partnerships with the larger heritage community.
Ms. Brock urges that "a new coat of paint on top of business as usual will not be adequate or appropriate."
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12th November 2008
Investigation into Allegations of Barriers to Access to Information in the Archives
Today the Ombudsman for Bermuda, Arlene Brock, announced that her office will be conducting a systemic investigation into allegations of arbitrary barriers to access to information held in the Bermuda Archives.
The Ombudsman for Bermuda has received five complaints from individuals residing both in Bermuda and overseas. Allegations include unreasonable delays and other difficulties in gaining access to archival materials. It is claimed that, as a consequence, research is stymied and also potential donors are reluctant to contribute material of national interest to the Archives.
Ms. Brock emphasized that she had come to no conclusion whatsoever. After information is gathered and analyzed, she will make recommendations as she sees fit. Ms. Brock stressed that her “focus is not on finding fault, but to make recommendations, if needed, that will assist the Bermuda Archives to fulfill its mission to ensure that citizens’ rights to public information are protected”. The Ombudsman is encouraged by the promise of cooperation with the investigation that she has received from the Bermuda Archives.
In order to ensure that the investigation is as thorough and as objective as possible, the Ombudsman for Bermuda is asking anyone with relevant information to contact her as soon as possible. Private interviews will be conducted in person or by telephone as appropriate. Ms. Brock emphasized that all information will be treated in the strictest confidence.
The Office of the Ombudsman for Bermuda can be reached at 14 Dundonald St., Suite 102, Hamilton HM 09; tel: 441-296-6541; fax: 441-296-7734; info@ombudsman.bm.
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1st July 2008
Update on Allegations of Discrimination at KEMH
To all Media:
Ombudsman for Bermuda Delighted with Implementation of Recommendations
On 2 November 2007, Arlene Brock, Ombudsman for Bermuda, tabled “A Tale of Two Hospitals” – an investigation into allegations of discrimination amongst medical professionals at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital. She found “clear evidence of disparity in the way in which the system responds to either perceived or actual transgressions by doctors. The disparity is fueled by other forces that have to do with governance and competition.”
Ms. Brock made fifteen Recommendations aimed at assisting KEMH to become more fair and collegial through improving internal processes (so that they apply evenly across the board) or by expanding external resources (to strengthen professional decision-making and learning).
She requested an update on the progress in implementing these Recommendations by 30 June 2008. The BHB Chairman, the CEO and the Deputy CEO met with Ms. Brock in mid-May to discuss progress to date and submitted a final update on 30 June 2008.
The BHB has either implemented or is in the process of implementing each Recommendation. This includes rewriting the Bye-Laws, establishing a Diversity Council and Hotline, and formal clinical advisory relationships with leading medical facilities abroad.
Ms. Brock is delighted with the diligent and comprehensive approach of the BHB to implementing the Recommendations. She stated: “I sincerely believe that implementation of the above and related initiatives will be enduring and will ensure that the oversight of patient management is at the highest standard. With these changes, the public can have great confidence that patient care will be the central and shared focus amongst medical professionals at K.E.M.H.”
Ms. Brock will hold a Press Conference at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, 2nd July 2008.
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21st November 2007
Bermuda to Host 5th Biennial CAROA Conference
The Caribbean Ombudsman Association (CAROA), is an organization created to foster collaboration amongst the Caribbean ombudsman offices and promote discussion on issues of interest. This conference will explore best practices and evolving initiatives and aims to elevate the public understanding of the institution. CLICK HERE to find out more about this event.
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1st September 2006
Investigation Into Allegations of Discrimination at KEMH
Today the Ombudsman for Bermuda, Arlene Brock, announced that her office will be conducting a major systemic investigation into allegations of discrimination involving medical professionals at KEMH. The investigation will focus on whether or not there is a basis for these allegations, including any response to such allegations and, if so, what is the impact on patient care.
The Ombudsman emphasized that she had come to no conclusion whatsoever as to whether there was or was not discrimination at KEMH. “The purpose of this systemic investigation is to gather all the information as thoroughly as possible” she said. Once the information is collected she will analyse it and formulate any recommendations she deems necessary. “If there is discrimination, then it should be dealt with. If that discrimination impacts on patient care, then is crucial for everyone living in Bermuda that we tackle it as quickly as we can”. She also stated that the function of an Ombudsman is not to concentrate on finding fault but to focus on recommendations that can assist with positive change. She noted that she is very encouraged by the promises of cooperation with the investigation she has already received from key stakeholders.
In order to ensure that the investigation is as thorough and as objective as possible, the Ombudsman is inviting submissions from any party who has any information of relevance to the issue being investigated. She also emphasized that all information will be treated in the strictest confidence. She will also conduct private personal interviews as appropriate. “It is very important for anyone who has any relevant information to contact us. This is their opportunity to have their views taken into account”. She asked that she receives submissions by October 15, in order to ensure that the investigation is completed as quickly as possible. The Office of the Ombudsman can be reached at 14 Dundonald St., Suite 102, Hamilton HM 09; tel: 441-296-6541; fax: 441-296-7734; info@ombudsman.bm
The Ombudsman has already assembled a team of experts, including medical experts, to assist her office plan and execute this complex and important investigation. They will be available to her on an as-needed basis. She plans to present her report to the Speaker of the House of Parliament by March 31, 2007.
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Suite 102
14 Dundonald Street West
Hamilton, HM 09 Bermuda |
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Tel: (441) 296-6541
Fax: (441) 296-7734
info@ombudsman.bm |
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