The Ombudsman of the Republic of Vanuatu, Mr. Hamlison Bulu endorsed, on Friday 15 June 2021, the new Ombudsman Office Staff Manual. In his speech to the office staff, he stressed that the core function of the Ombudsman and his team is to ensure Leaders abide by the Law. The essence is for the citizens to reap the benefits of Leaders abiding by the Law by conducting themselves with integrity.

Ombudsman Bulu signing the new staff manual

Ombudsman Bulu further stressed that one underlying principle that the Ombudsman has to display, is to ensure the dignity for all citizens in the Republic of Vanuatu is up-held. To achieve this, the Ombudsman and its employees must demonstrate leadership skills, disciplined and have good manners. They must also be fair in all they do and be firm when they need to be. These are the duties required from all personals serving in this prestigious institution, called the Ombudsman’s Office.

Mr. Bulu called on the staff of the Office of the Ombudsman to make it their responsibility to guard the conduct of the leaders, ensuring that they follow the straight path at all times. It is only through the guardians that a leader is expected to serve the people of the Republic of Vanuatu to their expectations. To be able to do that the staff have to be strong, fearless and respectful in the duties they carry out based on their own internal rules. It keeps them upright at all times and to be worthy to call God their Father.

The Ombudsman’s Office staff manual is a guide to help the institution to be upright at all times. It is ought to be regularly read, understood and used wisely. He reiterated that today is a milestone for the institution in its development by the making and the endorsing the Office Staff manual.

In the past, the Public Service Commission appointed staffs of the Ombudsman Office and were subject to the Public Service Act and the Public Service Staff Manual.

In 2019, Parliament amended the Ombudsman Act, [Cap. 252] giving the Ombudsman power to appoint own staff. The effect of the enactment rendered the Ombudsman staff no longer employees of the Public Service Commission. Hence it requires the Ombudsman to create his own staff manual for the better management and administration of both its office and staff in ensuring that they carry out their roles efficiently and effectively.