Former Ombudsman Sues Government Over Human Trafficking Case

An investigation involving nine vulnerable Haitian girls has stalled, and the former Ombudsman says government inaction is to blame. Retired Major Herman Swaso has taken the matter to the High Court, arguing that the continued vacancy in the watchdog office has left serious questions about the girls’ immigration status, guardianship and welfare unanswered. The case also raises allegations about the possible involvement of senior government officials. Swaso now wants the court to ensure the investigation does not simply disappear.

 

Ret. Maj. Herman Swaso, Former Ombudsman 

“The fact that this matter was brought to the Office of the Ombudsman by the complainant is indicating how serious it is and how they wanted to get some answers. But also equally important is the fact that they’re the complainant, had placed this very case in the hands of the Government of Belize from 2023 and there was nothing that came out of this case. So the complainant felt compelled to get answers and then brought it to the Office of the Ombudsman. That is how serious this is, and it involve senior government officials. That’s the allegation. So a stalled investigation for two years and now after the Ombudsman demit office, that case remain back to where it was in the first instance. So in my humble view, I have been denied a legal right, but more and equally important, what became or what becomes of those vulnerable who are alleged to be victims of this same complaint? And we signed international treaties, Mr. Williams, to the effect. So I believe that the fact that it has national implications, equally, I believe it may also have some serious international implications and ramification.”

 

Belize has been without an Ombudsman since Swaso’s contract was not renewed at the end of December 2025.

 

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.

 

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