Swaso Demands Answers in Unfinished Case of Nine Haitian Girls  

Former Ombudsman Retired Major Herman Gilbert Swaso is demanding answers about an unfinished investigation into the case of nine Haitian girls brought to Belize back in 2023, who are now under the care of individuals connected to the organization Beauty Out of Ashes. Swaso submitted a Freedom of Information request this week, stating that his office uncovered credible concerns related to guardianship, immigration status, child protection procedures and possible trafficking indicators during a probe that began in 2025. Swaso maintains that while his office obtained information from immigration authorities, key government departments failed to provide critical documents and responses before his tenure ended. Now, more than six months after leaving office, he wants to know whether the investigation was continued, transferred, suspended or quietly abandoned.  Minister of Immigration Kareem Musa says they are looking into the case.

 

Kareem Musa, Minister of Immigration

“So prior to me taking up the post as minister of immigration, I believe it was some time in the year 2023. It is not four, it is actually nine Hattian minors entered the country with two adult companions. They are not related to these nine minors, but from my understanding and information, they were the foster home taking care of these girls in Haiti. They received, based on the information provided to me, they received permission to travel out of the country, but temporary, not permanent. When they came into the country in 2023 they were allowed into the country based on a humanitarian consideration based on the turmoil taking place in Haiti. Since then, the ministry of human development has carried out social inquiry report. I am told that a second social inquiry report will be carried out to determine the best interest of the children, whether it is best for them to stay here. I don’t know if the parents are requesting the children back. But in my humble opinion, if it is the parents are requesting the children to return then they should return to their parents.”

 

Musa says his ministry is collaboration with UN agencies in Belize on this case.

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

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