The decision by Parliament to reappoint Nilda Arduin as Ombudsman (see related story) is the right thing to do. Because the two selected candidates did not get strong assessments from the interview committee, certainly under the current circumstances it was wise to stick with the person who has a proven track record in this important job and agreed to delay her planned retirement.
As first Ombudsman, Arduin played the role of trailblazer, laying a solid foundation for those to follow. She was instrumental in defending the Constitution when it came under pressure concerning matters such as the proposed Integrity Chamber infringing on the right of privacy and to a fair trial, life sentences without review possibility and exploiting animals (cockfights).
The fact that St. Maarten is the only country within the Dutch Kingdom that has a Constitutional Court was obviously of great assistance. However, it took Arduin to submit these controversial laws and amendments for judicial review and get them stopped.
In doing so she confirmed without a doubt her autonomous position as High Council of State. That is important now, but especially in the future, so that the office’s authorities are not undermined by, for example, the political establishment.
One can argue that it would be better to have someone younger take over, but the intention is to now provide training sessions for possible successors. In the meantime, the public can rest assured that an official with the necessary knowledge and experience remains in charge.
In any case age itself should not be too much of a determining factor where it regards occupying crucial functions. Policies in that sense ought to follow the worldwide trend to raise pension ages.
Recent illustrations include two directors of the Central Bank being forced to retire without readily available suitable replacements. As the Mighty Sparrow once so fittingly sang: “Age is just a number.”
