Former Ombudsman Questions Delay in Naming Successor

Former Ombudsman Major Gilbert Swazo (Ret’d) is questioning why Belize has gone six months without appointing a new head of the Office of the Ombudsman. He warns that the vacancy could weaken accountability and leave vulnerable citizens without proper oversight.

The government has explained that the delay is linked to the ongoing transformation of the Ombudsman’s Office into a National Human Rights Institution, a reform supported by four hundred thousand euros in funding.

However, Swazo argues that the reform process risks losing credibility without the appointment of the very person who would oversee and safeguard the rights of Belizeans.

“The question is, if it is then that the Office of the Ombudsman will be the beneficiary on behalf of the government of Belize who made that declaration, then in my humble view, what is the purpose of ensuing or continuing such a project without the key stakeholder for and on behalf of the country or who will be the custodian of such a project?” Swazo said.

He questioned how the project can move forward without the institution that is expected to benefit from the transformation, adding that vulnerable Belizeans are among those who stand to benefit from the change.