surprised by attacks

Interview

Ombudswoman not surprised by attacks

By Patrick Decloitre

PIM: Marie-Noelle Ferrieux-Patterson, you respond for the first time to the accusations persistently brought against you by politicians. What do you say in your defence?

MNFP: In my defence, first I’d say there’s no surprise in being attacked. I think it’s part of the job as ombudsman.

This is likely to bring considerable hostility and resentment from those who find themselves on the receiving end of the

ombudsman’s investigations.

PIM: So it’s likely that those who are the most outspoken against you could also be the ones who have something to

reproach themselves?

MNFP: There have been a few reports and names com ing out. If these persons are trying to be heard more, yes; maybe that is no surprise.

PIM: There is also this “ wantok ” system you find work ing the principles of transparency in a democratic society?

MNFP: This wantok system also affects the situation here: It’s alleged to have its roots in the Melanesian tradition and, in fact, in the relationship between the chiefs and then people. It seems that has evolved in the political world, the democracy and parliamentary system, in the way that people who are appointed at public servant’s positions for reasons other than their merits and qualifications. Originally, it was only members from the same island (wantok means “same talk, same language”), but it is extending. And now, the big problem is that it is destroying the public service - that is what comes out of most of my inquiries into the public ser vice. Those who are appointed are not the most qualified and therefore the services provided to the people suffer from that.

PIM: It also seems that those accused in your reports never get tried.

MNFP: Yes, what happens to the people who are guilty?

I find there is a problem here with people actually admitting their guilt and in some cases a very strong reluctance to iden tify culprits or to apply the rigours of suitable punishment to the people. If you do something wrong and you do admit to it, then you have a big chance to be at least half forgiven.

This is a Christian country and the Bible says “go and sin no more”. But that means after confession, after admitting to the wrong.

The result of this is that the sense of responsibility of the population is difficult to maintain because they see the guilty going unpunished or pardoned, without really suffering the consequences of their actions.

PIM: Although it’s common knowledge?

MNFP: Yes, it’s in my reports now, if I find something wrong, there’s nothing much happening to them ... But in the end, it’s up to the people of Vanuatu to decide who is telling the truth and what they want. ■