By Breaking Belize News Staff (HP): Former Ombudsman Major (Ret’d) H. Gilbert Swaso has launched what could become one of the most significant constitutional challenges in recent years, accusing the Government of Belize of punishing him for doing his job.
In court filings, Swaso alleges that the Government failed to respect the constitutional independence of the Office of the Ombudsman and refused to renew his appointment after he ruled against the administration in a politically sensitive Freedom of Information matter.
The dispute stems from a request made by activist Jeremy Enriquez seeking details on legal fees paid by taxpayers to private attorneys hired by the Government in connection with a redistricting case.
As Ombudsman, Swaso reviewed the Government’s refusal to disclose the information and concluded that Belizeans had a right to know how public funds were being spent.
“I was of the view that the government’s expenditure of public funds was not a matter that should be kept secret from the people because it was their money that was being spent,” Swaso stated.
Now, the former Ombudsman believes that decision placed him directly in the Government’s crosshairs.
According to his lawsuit, Swaso was called into a December 2025 meeting with Minister Henry Usher, where concerns were allegedly raised about his ruling. Just two days later, he received official notice that his appointment would not be renewed.
Swaso argues that if public officers can be punished for making independent decisions, then the constitutional protections surrounding oversight institutions become meaningless.
The Government of Belize has not yet filed its response to the constitutional claim.
The post Former Ombudsman launches constitutional lawsuit against Government of Belize appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Breaking Belize News Staff (HP): Former Ombudsman Major (Ret’d) H. Gilbert Swaso has launched what could become one of the most significant constitutional challenges in recent years, accusing the Government of Belize of punishing him for doing his job. In court filings, Swaso alleges that the Government failed to respect the constitutional independence of
The post Former Ombudsman launches constitutional lawsuit against Government of Belize appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
