FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the authorities of the Integrity Chamber?
The Integrity Chamber has a number of authorizations. It is authorized to:
- Advise and propose changes to policies related to the promotion of the country’s integrity;
- Provide advices on any integrity related matters;
- Investigate a notification of suspected misconduct or to conduct an investigation on its own initiative into a suspected misconduct; and,
- Continuously providing the public with information meant to improve the awareness of integrity within the community.
Who can file a notification of suspected misconduct at the Integrity Chamber?
Anyone can file a notification of suspected misconduct. Residents of the Dutch and French side of the island, tourists, unregistered or undocumented persons, civil servants, anyone. The Integrity Chamber realizes the possibility that anyone could become a victim or observer of suspected misconduct within government and its entities.
Can I report a suspected misconduct directly to the Integrity Chamber?
If you cannot be expected to report the suspected misconduct to your department head, e.g., your department head is probably involved, you may then report your suspected misconduct to the Integrity Chamber directly.
If I file a notification concerning suspected misconduct occurring at my place of employment, will my manager be informed?
In an effort to properly inquire or launch an investigation into the suspected misconduct, and in order to acquire the information necessary, the Integrity Chamber may find it necessary to inform the administrative body concerned that a notification of suspected misconduct was filed. However, the details and specific information of the notification will not be shared unless approved by the notifier.
What are the differences between the Integrity Chamber and the Ombudsman?
Both administrative bodies share seemingly similar tasks, namely the investigation of complaints against government and its entities. However, the Ombudsman is charged with protecting the constitutional rights of the citizens of Sint Maarten, while the Integrity Chamber is strictly committed to raising the level of integrity within government in a variety of ways. The Integrity Chamber, due to the anonymous investigative process, also provides a respite where civil servants can bring their integrity complaints without fear of reprimand or retaliation.
What exactly does the Integrity Chamber investigate?
Within an administrative context, the Integrity Chamber investigates suspected misconducts that occur within government and its entities. These suspected misconducts occur usually due to an act or a failure to act by the administrative body, that has then led to an unacceptable situation.
May I also file a notification concerning suspected misconduct within a company?
You may file a notification of suspected misconduct occurring within any administrative body (government, government entities and government-owned companies). If it does not concern an administrative body, the Integrity Chamber is not authorized to investigate the matter
What are considered substantiating documents?
Any document you may have that can help prove the claims made on the notification of suspected misconduct.
What if I haven’t filed my notification form properly?
You may inform the Integrity Chamber and request the opportunity to properly fill it out. Or you may be contacted by the Integrity Chamber in order for the necessary information to be acquired.
What can I do if I want to file a notification of suspected misconduct but I cannot speak English or Dutch?
You may request the assistance of a trusted third person to help you in filling the notification.
Is it necessary to file a notification in person?
Notifications may also be filed via mail, email or digitally via the website.
Can I make a complaint against the Integrity Chamber?
If during the course of an investigation into suspected misconduct, an administrative body or persons involved in the notification are unsatisfied with the working method or authorities executed by the Integrity Chamber, they may complain to the Supervisory Council of the Integrity Chamber. The Supervisory Council then determines whether the complaint is grounded and the following consequences.