Posted: Friday, October 31, 2025. 3:32 pm CST.
By Zoila Palma: Leader of the Opposition Tracy Taegar Panton has strongly criticized what she describes as an “unprecedented” and “deeply disturbing” move by the Government of Belize to take legal action against the Office of the Ombudsman, a constitutionally independent body tasked with protecting citizens’ rights and ensuring government accountability.
The case, she argues, represents a troubling moment for Belize’s democracy and raises “serious questions about the administration’s commitment to good governance, transparency, and the rule of law.”
In her statement, Panton emphasized the vital role of the Ombudsman as an oversight mechanism created to ensure that government agencies act in the public interest. “To seek to silence or restrain that institution, particularly in a matter concerning the disclosure of public spending on legal services, is unacceptable,” she said.
The Opposition Leader further noted that the Freedom of Information Act was enacted to prevent secrecy in public spending and to guarantee that Belizeans can hold the government accountable for how tax dollars are used.
Panton warned that the government’s decision “represents a direct assault on the independence of our oversight institutions” and undermines public trust in democratic governance. She called on Prime Minister John Briceño and the Attorney General to “immediately withdraw this ill-advised legal action and reaffirm the government’s respect for the rule of law, the separation of powers, and the public’s right to information.”
Panton urged civil society and governance advocates to “stand in defense of institutional integrity and democratic accountability.”
She reiterated that “our democracy demands vigilance, our people deserve transparency, and our Constitution requires that no one — not even the Government — be above the law.”
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The post Opposition Leader condemns Government’s lawsuit against Office of the Ombudsman appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Friday, October 31, 2025. 3:32 pm CST. By Zoila Palma: Leader of the Opposition Tracy Taegar Panton has strongly criticized what she describes as an
The post Opposition Leader condemns Government’s lawsuit against Office of the Ombudsman appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
