Bermuda’s Office of the Ombudsman has been in operation for ten years, growing into “one of the most highly regarded in the Commonwealth, at least in the smaller states”.

This is the view of Victor Ayeni, the governance specialist who was the keynote speaker at its official opening.

Dr Ayeni will speak tomorrow at the Bermuda National Library on the power and importance of the Ombudsman’s role, including pointers on where it can be enhanced.

His lecture will also touch on “some of the recent concern that came out of friction between those in power and the Ombudsman”.

Victoria Pearman, who has served in the office for two years, came under sharp criticism last year from Michael Fahy, the Minister of Home Affairs, over a report criticising the Department of Immigration.

Dr Ayeni said all parties benefit when the Ombudsman’s job is carried out — adding that Bermuda’s office had been a leader for other jurisdictions.

At present, the Ombudsman’s affairs are restricted to the public sector, but Dr Ayeni said its role could be broadened to cover other areas.

Ms Pearman stressed that her office did not like to turn anyone away, but noted that employment matters are one of the issues outside her purview.

Pointing people in the right direction and coaching them on how to get their problems addressed could be “challenging”, she said.

“I don’t want to say we’re looking to expand, but certainly the amount and complexity of the complaints could require us to look at that.”

In the meantime, she said, the public should understand that “confidentiality is a very important aspect of this office, and we are duty bound to maintain it”.

Dr Ayeni is a director at Governance and Management Services International, a British training and consultancy firm dedicated to advancing public sector governance in “developing countries and transitional democracies”.

The event from 5.30pm to 7.30pm is free and open to the public.