Complaints Commissioner, Mr Elton Georges believes the majority of persons who have grievances in the Virgin Islands do not make complaints for a number of reasons, one of which was having the time to spare. Photo: VINO

Georges made the observation during a press conference held today, October 15, 2013 which dealt with his 4th Annual Report and 12th Special Report laid in the House of Assembly on October 7, 2013. Photo: VINO

Despite his admission however, Georges said the Commission, now almost five years in existence, was still open for business and continues to carry out its main task of receiving and investigating complaints against government agencies. Photo: VINO

Georges made the observation during a press conference held today, October 15, 2013 which dealt with his 4th Annual Report and 12th Special Report laid in the House of Assembly on October 7, 2013.

The 4th Annual report presents statistics of the Commission’s activities for the year 2012 and the Commissioner’s comments on the general state of public service delivery as seen from his vantage point.

“I know that the majority of persons who have grievances, some of them very serious grievances, do not complain. They do not complain elsewhere, they do not complain to us, for various reasons,” Georges said.

Georges said he could recall instances where he felt the need to complain about matters but after resolving to do so never made the time to complete the task. In consideration of this, he thanked persons that had taken the time to reach out to the commission to offer complaints.

Despite his admission however, Georges said the Commission, now almost five years in existence, was still open for business and continues to carry out its main task of receiving and investigating complaints against government agencies. He also said he believed the office was still having an overall beneficial impact.

“Everyone agrees with good service, but in practice, not a lot of attention appears to be paid to it,” Georges noted.

The Complaints Commissioner is a constitutional post, the holder of which is appointed by the Governor acting after consultation with the Premier and the Leader of Opposition.

The Commissioner is responsible for reporting on the investigation of complaints considered, including a summary of how they have been resolved, his findings and recommendations; appointing mediators where appropriate to help resolve disputes; promoting public awareness of the role of the office and encouraging all public officers and public authorities to respond constructively and helpfully to complaints made directly to them as outlined by the Complaints Commissioner Act of 2003.

Copies of the annual report can be found on the Commission’s website at www.ombudsman.vg and the Commission also has a presence on Facebook and Twitter as well.