Ombudsman Swazo Reacts to Exit

Major Herman Gilbert Swazo (Ret’d) prepares to conclude his tenure as Ombudsman on December 31, 2025. Swazo says he was surprised to learn his contract would not be renewed.

In a letter dated December 24, 2025, Cabinet Secretary Stuart Leslie expressed appreciation to Swazo as his three year term comes to an end. The letter states, “As your term comes to an end on 31st December, 2025, I want to take this opportunity to convey my thanks and appreciation for your dedicated service as Ombudsman of Belize over the past three (3) years.” Leslie added that the government was “grateful for your contributions” and wished him well in his future endeavors.

Speaking with News 5, Swazo said he became aware that his contract would not be renewed after receiving the letter by email on December 24. “Before the evening on the 24th, I got an email and when I opened the letter, it was then that I knew,” he said.

Swazo noted that the correspondence did not address reengagement, which he said he had requested. “The letter did not in any way or form, in my view, address reengagement,” he said. “To me, that implies then that I am not going to be reengaged.”

Asked if he was surprised by the decision, Swazo responded, “At first, I am surprised. However, let me state that the reengagement is the National Assembly, and certainly they have come to a decision that my tenure as ombudsman, based on the letter, will not be renewed.”

Swazo has taken public positions on several matters during his tenure, including recent freedom of information requests. When asked whether those actions influenced the decision not to renew his contract, he said he acted strictly within the law. “I took a solemn oath to abide by the Constitution and to do right in all manner of people,” he said. “I have operated and worked with the oath of office, ensuring that I abide by the Constitution of Belize, the laws of Belize, and the rule of law.” He added, “I did not operate against anyone. I operated within the confines of the law, and that is what I did.”

Meanwhile, Cabinet Secretary Stuart Leslie tells News Five that the letter is simply procedural to signal the end of an agreement and that no decision has been made on Swaso’s possible contract renewal as yet. 

Swazo said he has no regrets about his actions as Ombudsman, even if they may affect future opportunities.