Ex-Ombudsman Files Historic Constitutional Claim Against GOB

Belize’s former Ombudsman, Major (Ret’d) H. Gilbert Swaso, has filed a landmark constitutional claim against the Government of Belize, alleging that the state breached its own constitution by failing to honour the terms and conditions of the Office of the Ombudsman, and that his appointment was not renewed as a form of retaliation for ruling against the government in a sensitive Freedom of Information case.

The claim traces its origins to a Freedom of Information application filed by public activist Jeremy Enriquez, who sought disclosure of legal fees paid by the government to external lawyers retained by the Attorney General in connection with a politically sensitive redistricting matter. Swaso, exercising his statutory powers as Ombudsman, reviewed the Attorney General’s refusal to disclose the information and recommended that the names of retained attorneys or law firms, along with the total amounts paid from public funds, be disclosed to the public.

“I was of the view that the government’s expenditure of public funds (i.e. taxpayers’ money) was not a matter that should be kept secret from the people because it was, after all, their money that was being spent. It was therefore necessary for the government to account to the people for same.”

Swaso said he made the ruling in good faith. He now believes that the government’s dissatisfaction with that decision contributed to its decision not to renew his term.

Swaso states that he has reason to believe the non-renewal of his appointment was punitive in nature. He argues that punishing any public officer for performing their duties fairly and fearlessly strikes at the constitutional independence of the office itself.

Full details tonight on News 5 Live at 6pm.