Belize’s Only Female Ombudsman Reflects on Watchdog Role
Cynthia Pitts says being Ombudsman was not a desk job. It meant visiting communities, questioning public officers, standing up to government departments, and sometimes picking up the phone in the middle of the night for citizens who had nowhere else to turn. Pitts, Belize’s only woman to serve in the post, handled hundreds of complaints between 2009 and 2012, including cases that placed her directly at odds with the political directorate. Now, as Belize faces another long stretch without an Ombudsman, she is reflecting on what the job takes and why the office must be independent, fearless and guided by integrity.
Cynthia Pitts, Former Ombudsman
“I used to tell the lands people, I said, “You all will have to compensate these people. You all will have to pay for their hotel, food, and everything.” You have them going up and down , you know? And so you really have to be strong and independent if you really want to serve your citizens.”
Shane Williams
“So would you say land issues are the most common issues that…
Cynthia Pitts
“No, no, the police. And that’s another kettle of fish. [Laughs] That’s another kettle of fish. You know, you really have to be strong, you know, and be prepared to do things. You know, my friends used to say but, “Why you have these people coming to your house, you know, at two in the morning?” You know, some grandmother would call and say, “They have me grandson locked up,” and so on and so on. And then you go. The police don’t think you will go, you know? And so, you know, that’s the kind of job. I said but when you took on the job, you knew what you were getting into.” And so you go. They say, “We don’t have any vehicle to take him.” I said, “Well, well, I have a vehicle. I’ll take him to the hospital.” You know? You really have to operate like that. Whosoever you put there definitely has to be an independent person of integrity You know? That is the key thing. Integrity and credibility, and someone who wants to serve indeed and don’t care who is who, what is what, you know? Because in my time, you know, I have experienced politicians telling me, “That is the thing with you. You, this and you that.” And I would say, “But I am not a politician. Da you are the politician, but I am not.” And so I deal with anybody who comes. I don’t care which P you are.”
Belize has been without an Ombudsman for almost eight months, after Major Gilbert Swaso was told on Christmas Eve that his contract would not be renewed.
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