First ombudsman appointed in Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands will have a political ombudsman for the first time as of next month.

On Wednesday, news emerged that Sandy Hermiston, a Canadian national, has been appointed to the position that was created under provisions of the Ombudsman Law, 2017.

She was chosen from a short list of five candidates from the pool of 31 applicants

Hermiston will serve as Complaints Commissioner and Information Commissioner, overseeing the areas of open records and maladministration complaints against the government that were previously handled by those offices.

She will also oversee data protection and whistleblower legislation.

Her duties will include investigating and resolving complaints made by the public against public bodies.

Hermiston, who is currently general counsel for the Ombudsman and Public Interest Commissioner for Alberta, Canada, is expected to begin her new role on September 13.

The ombudsman’s purview, under the provisions of the new Cayman law, will cover all government ministries, portfolios, departments and sections, statutory authorities and government companies.

She will also act as the independent oversight body for the police by receiving and investigating complaints made by the public, pursuant to the Police (Complaints by the Public) Law, 2017.

“I look forward to working on behalf of the people of the Cayman Islands to help make a positive difference in their lives,”Hermiston said in an official statement. “I embrace the opportunity to lead this office through a period of change and expansion of its remit.”