Christmas Eve Letter Ends Ombudsman Swazo’s Three-Year Term

We turn now to a major shake-up in the Office of the Ombudsman. Today marks Gilbert Swazo’s final day on the job after government decided not to renew his contract. The news came in a Christmas Eve letter, ending his three-year tenure and setting of a wave of speculation. Swazo made headlines recently over a Freedom of Information Act ruling in favor of activist Jeremy Enriquez, a decision the government is now challenging in court. That ruling reportedly strained relations between Swazo and the administration. So, as he steps away from the post, does he regret standing by that decision? And is he worried about being blacklisted by the government? We put those questions to him and here’s what he had to say.

 

On the phone: (Ret Major) Gilbert Swazo, Ombudsman

“I was appointed as Ombudsman of Belize in 2023. I took a solemn oath to abide by the Constitution and to do right in all manner of people based on the oath. I am of the firm view that I have operated and work with the oath of office, aligning with the oath of office, ensuring that I abide by the constitution of Belize, the laws of Belize and the rule of law. That is how I operated. I did not operate against anyone. I operated within the confines of the law, and that is what I did.”

 

Shane Williams

“This government has at least four more years on their term and going up against such a powerful administration may result in you being blackballed from even other opportunities that you are well qualified for.”

 

Gilbert Swazo

“Well, the, I stand predominant by speaking to my values as an individual, as a Garifuna man, as a Belizean. And I did stand by the Constitution, the rule of law and the laws of Belize. When I am serving in any capacity, particularly that of the Ombudsman of Belize. So if it’s that I will pay the consequences of being harmony with my values as a human being and as a man and as a proud Garifuna Belizean then I will continue to hold my head up very high, having been aligned with the Constitution and the laws of Belize in service to the people of Belize.”