Are Belize’s Watchdogs Being Held Back?

A courtroom clash is now putting Belize’s watchdog system front and center. Retired Major Gilbert Swaso isn’t just challenging the Government in court; he’s testing how well the country’s oversight institutions are really working. At the heart of the case is a bigger question: can these bodies operate independently, or are they being held back? The Opposition says the answer matters, especially if public trust is to be rebuilt. Now, as the legal battle unfolds, it’s reigniting a national conversation about accountability, and whether the safeguards meant to protect Belizeans are truly doing their job.

 

Tracy Panton, Leader, United Democratic Party

“The truth of the matter is the oversight mechanisms of this country needs to be working optimally so we can preserve our public institutions so that our citizens can have the right to be heard on issues that affect their daily lives. That is the bottom line. The trusts and confidence that Belizeans have in our public institutions are fading and fading quickly because the public institutions are not working in favor of the people. And these oversight mechanisms, the Ombudsman’s office being one, the contractor general being one, the Integrity Commission being one, the joint public accounts committee being one, the Auditor General’s Office being one, must be able to function with some autonomy, must be able to function within the functions of the law that governs that office, so that the people of this country can have direct access.”

 

Panton contends that without strong, functioning oversight bodies, Belizeans risk losing confidence in the very institutions meant to protect them.

 

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.

Watch the full newscast here: