FAQ

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.