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Governor invitesthe press corp to meet Justice Kerr

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Justice James Kerr,talks with the Governor, Hon. Peter Smith

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Justice James Kerr,during a press conference

The former head of Cayman's Court of Appealand Jamaican Ombudsman, Justice James Kerr, describes the roleof an Ombudsman as an investigator, nota "poor man's lawyer or prosecutor."

Justice Kerr, was speaking at a news conferencelast Friday at Government House. His visit to the island was todiscuss the roles and functions of an ombudsman.

"He (ombudsman) is an investigatorof complaints against the administration. In other words, he isconcerned by public authorities and public offices," JusticeKerr told the gathering.

He said the role of the classic ombudsmanis "not to be confrontational but to make recommendations."Referring to his former post in Jamaica, he said the Jamaica Actallowed him to "recommend Justice compensation in appropriatemeasures."

Governor Mr. Peter Smith, referring to theneed for an ombudsman in the Cayman Islands, said his office hasreceived several complaints, but has not been able to handle them.

"A number of complaints have come throughthe office, but as you know we are not staffed to handle thosecomplaints," Mr. Smith said.

The Governor hinted that the Cayman Islandscould have an ombudsman by early 2002, noting that there is adraft bill to institute the office. The bill is based on UnitedKingdom, Canadian and Jamaican legislation.

He said he hopes the legislation would bepassed before the end of the year so that the position could beincluded the 2002 budget.

He said Justice Kerr was "an easy choice"to address the conference.

"He has done me proud this week - makingthe rounds at the civil service association, Chamber of Commerce...I am delighted of what he has achieved this week," Mr. Smithsaid of Justice Kerr.

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