Mon–Fri, 8 am – 4 pm

MontserratComplaints Commission Make a complaint

Established by section 105 of the Montserrat Constitution

A complaint about a government department or public body?

The Complaints Commission independently investigates complaints of maladministration and breaches of human rights by the Government of Montserrat and its public authorities. It is free, impartial and confidential.

Make a complaint(opens in a new tab) How it works(opens in a new tab)

Montserrat

  • Free

    No fee for a complaint, an investigation or mediation.

  • Independent

    Not subject to the direction or control of any person or authority.

  • Confidential

    The law requires secrecy from everyone connected with its work.

  • Impartial

    It does not take sides. It seeks to arrive at the truth.

What the Commission can look into

Complaints about the actions of government ministries and departments, public officers and public authorities, including statutory bodies.

All questions and answers

Complaints Commission Act, s.2

Maladministration

Inefficient, bad or improper administration in the Government of Montserrat’s public service.

For example

  • Unreasonable delay, discourtesy or lack of consideration
  • Abuse of power, including discretionary power
  • Actions that are unjust, oppressive or improperly discriminatory
  • Decisions based on a mistake of law or fact

Constitution Order 2010, Part I

Human rights

A breach or infringement of a right or freedom set out in Part 1 of the Montserrat Constitution.

For example

  • The right to privacy
  • The right to be protected from discrimination
  • The right to freedom of expression
  • The right to freedom of assembly and association

Procurement Regulations 2019, reg. 47

Procurement appeals

Suppliers who bid or tendered for a Government contract can appeal procurement decisions, once they have asked for a review.

How it works

  • Ask the Chairman of the Procurement Board, or the Financial Secretary, for a review
  • If still aggrieved, appeal in writing within ten days
  • The Commission decides in writing within fourteen days
Procurement appeals

What the Commission cannot look into

The law keeps some people and matters outside the Commission’s reach. If you are unsure, ask the Secretariat before you complain.

Check whether we can help
  • Judges, magistrates and the courts
  • Cabinet and Legislative Assembly deliberations
  • The Attorney General, DPP and Auditor General using their constitutional powers
  • Criminal investigations and national security
  • Civil or criminal court proceedings
  • Extradition and fugitive offenders
  • Personnel matters such as appointments, pay, discipline and pensions
  • Matters with a court remedy or right of appeal, unless it is unreasonable to expect you to use it

Montserrat Constitution Order 2010 · section 105

An independent, fair and accessible process for resolving them.

The Constitution’s promise for every human rights and maladministration complaint in Montserrat.About the Commission
Cost to you. No fees for complaints, investigations or mediation.
$0
Independent Commissioners, appointed for two to four years.
3
The usual time limit for making a complaint.
1 year
The year the Constitution establishing the Commission came into force.
2011

What happens after you complain

Every complaint follows the same route. If the Commission decides not to take your complaint further, you are told.

  1. Received and logged

    Your complaint is date-stamped, logged and sent to the Commissioners, and a file is opened.

  2. Preliminary inquiry

    If the complaint meets the criteria, you are invited to a preliminary inquiry. If it does not, you are told.

  3. Investigation

    If the Commission investigates, it holds hearings with the people involved and agrees its findings.

  4. Report and follow-up

    The report goes to the Governor, Ministers and the Head of Department. You receive the findings and recommendations.

See every step of the process

How to make a complaint

Complaints are made in writing to the Commission, through the Constitution & Commissions Secretariat. Choose whichever way suits you.

What to include

Whichever way you send it, your complaint should say:

  • Who you are complaining about
  • The details of the complaint
  • When the incident happened
  • The evidence that supports your complaint
  • Your contact details
  • Anything you have already done to try to resolve it

Ways to send it

  1. Complete the form online

    The online form follows the official complaint form, section by section, and lets you attach copies of your documents.

    Start online(opens in a new tab)

  2. Download the printable form

    Fill in the Word version of the form, then email it, post it or hand it in.

    Download (Word, 48 KB)(opens in a new tab)

  3. Email the Secretariat

    Send your complaint, with copies of your documents, to mni.complaints@gmail.com.

    Write an email

  4. Post it or hand it in

    Constitution & Commissions Secretariat, #1 Farara Plaza, Brades, Montserrat. Open Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.

    Contact details(opens in a new tab)

News and announcements

All news

The Commissioners

Three members, appointed by the Governor acting on the advice of Cabinet, for two to four years.

Meet the Commission

  • Chairman

    Miss Chivone Gerald

    Barrister-at-law and Notary Public, founding Director of Gerald Global Law, and a 2021 Chevening Scholar.

  • Member

    Mr. Glenn Francis

    Educator, former Director of Education and Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education.

  • Member

    Mr. Leroy Greaves

    Educator for 30 years, community advocate, and a leading voice in Montserrat cricket administration.

Key documents

All publications

Ready to make a complaint?

Start online now. If you would rather talk it through first, call the Secretariat on (664) 491-2195, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4 pm.

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