NTUCB Demands Government Retract Case Against Ombudsman

The National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) has called on the government to reconsider its decision to take the Office of the Ombudsman to court.

NTUCB says the move threatens public accountability. “We’d like to express our deep concern and disappointment over the government’s decision to take the office of the Ombudsman to court. This action represents a direct affront to the principles of good governance,” said NTUCB’s president, Ella Waight.

The legal challenge stems from a Freedom of Information (FOIA) request by activist Jeremy Enriquez, who sought details on taxpayer money spent on legal fees in constitutional cases. After the Attorney General’s Ministry refused to provide the information, the Ombudsman recommended partial disclosure.

The government has now taken the matter to court.

According to Waight, the union stands “firmly in solidarity with the Office of the Ombudsman” and that it “will not remain silent while the government targets an office whose very purpose is what protects citizens’ rights and promotes accountability, transparency, and fairness in public administration.”

The NTUCB is demanding the government retract its court action, stating, “We call on the government of Belize to immediately reconsider its course of action. The NTUCB will do everything within its power to ensure that this administration lives up to its good governance practices.”