The Briceño Administration of Belize has escalated a transparency dispute by taking the Ombudsman to court. The conflict began when social activist Jeremy Enriquez filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request seeking details on legal fees related to the redistricting case. The Attorney General initially denied the request, prompting Enriquez to appeal to the Ombudsman, Gilbert Swaso, who ruled in favor of partial disclosure. However, the Attorney General is now challenging this decision in court, arguing for its dismissal. This legal battle highlights a broader struggle over government transparency and accountability. Enriquez expressed concern over the Prime Minister’s efforts to suppress information about government spending on legal fees, emphasizing the need for public accountability. He described the administration’s actions as a corrupt attempt to intimidate the Ombudsman and conceal financial dealings. This case sets a significant precedent in Belize’s ongoing fight for governmental transparency and the public’s right to information.
