Christmas Eve Letter Leaves Ombudsman Surprised

Ombudsman Gilbert Swazo says he was caught off guard by a letter he received on Christmas Eve from Cabinet Secretary Stuart Leslie. The note thanked him for his service and wished him well in his future endeavors. Swazo’s three-year contract officially ends tomorrow, December thirty-first, but the timing of that letter has stirred speculation, especially because it comes amid controversy over his handling of a major Freedom of Information request appeal. Earlier this year, social activist Jeremy Enriquez requested details on legal fees paid to private attorneys in the government’s redistricting case. When the Attorney General denied that request, Swazo ruled that at least part of the information should be disclosed under the Freedom of Information Act. The government didn’t like that decision and is now fighting to overturn it in court. Leslie tells News Five the letter was simply procedural, signaling the end of the agreement, and insists no decision has been made yet on renewing Swazo’s contract. But Swazo admits he was surprised by the correspondence. So, does he regret standing up to his administration? And is this a warning to others who might do the same? We put those questions to him.

 

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

“It was the evening on the twenty-fourth of December, Christmas Eve that I got an email in the Ombudsman email in, and when I opened the letter it was then that I knew that the letter that I received stated I don’t recall it verbatim that they congratulate me to the, for the service that I offered as ombudsman and they wished me all the best in my future endeavors. The letter did not in any way or form, in my view, did not address reengagement, which I requested. However, the implications of the future endeavors could mean anything. To me it is what it is. That to my mind, implies then that I am not gonna be reengaged.”

 

Shane Williams

“Were you surprised by this decision?”

 

Gilbert Swaso

“Of course I am. I am surprised. However, let me state that the reengagement is the prerogative of National Assembly and certainly they have come to a decision that my tenure as ombudsman based on the letter, will not be renewed.”

 

Shane Williams

“Are you concerned that beyond the effect of you not receiving a renewal of a contract, that this may be a warning to others and may prevent others from standing up for justice?”

 

Gilbert Swazo

“Well I am of the firm view that the institution of the Office of the Ombudsman is an independent office and must operate in that matter based on the constitution, the law, and the rule of law. The people expect that of the Ombudsman and that institution. So it is my humble view that the ombudsman, whosoever will be appointed, must maintain the independence of the office, must maintain that institution to ensure fairness equality, justice, and transparency and accountability. That is what the office is designed for. And we, the people of Belize should expect no less from anyone who is operated into that office.”

 

Shane Williams

“Now major. I must ask you are a proud Garifuna man, Mr. Enriquez, also a proud Garifuna man. We know how this looks that two proud Garifuna men stood up to this government and gave them an order to release information to the public. Do you think that race played any issue or ethnicity played any issue in this?”

 

Gilbert Swaso

“I’m not sure what is the reason the government or the office of the Prime Minister decided how they decided? For me, I served my country with dignity and with pride. And as a Garifuna man I even am more proud and honoured to have served the office – serve the people of Belize through the Office of the Ombudsman. Whether it played a role or not, I ma not certain of that to be the case.  However, I maintain that no matter what I have from the onset. And will continue to be using and be in harmony with the constitution, with the laws of Belize and with the oath that I took in that office. If that played its role, then karma will just demonstrate down the road who in fact have failed the universe and the people of Belize. What the Constitution and the Laws of Belize dictate, we must continue to be the vanguards of the justice and the fairness and equality and the transparency and accountability that we so desire in this country of ours, particularly when we are serving the people of Belize. So I have no regrets in any way or form with the way how I have performed as the ombudsman of Belize.”