In a development that has raised questions about governmental transparency, Belize’s outgoing Ombudsman Major Herman Gilbert Swazo (Ret’d) has expressed surprise at the non-renewal of his contract, which concludes on December 31, 2025. The seasoned official learned of the decision through an email delivered on December 24 from Cabinet Secretary Stuart Leslie, who conveyed the government’s appreciation for Swazo’s three years of dedicated service without addressing contract renewal prospects.
Swazo revealed to News 5 that the correspondence made no mention of reengagement possibilities despite his prior requests for continuation. “The letter did not in any way or form, in my view, address reengagement,” Swazo stated. “To me, that implies then that I am not going to be reengaged.” The timing and delivery method of the notification added to the unexpected nature of the communication.
During his tenure, Swazo maintained several public positions on governance matters, including freedom of information requests. When questioned whether these actions might have influenced the non-renewal decision, Swazo emphasized his strict adherence to legal parameters. “I took a solemn oath to abide by the Constitution and to do right in all manner of people,” he affirmed. “I operated within the confines of the law, and that is what I did.”
Contradicting Swazo’s interpretation, Cabinet Secretary Stuart Leslie provided clarification to News Five, characterizing the letter as standard procedural communication marking the conclusion of an existing agreement. Leslie indicated that no definitive decision regarding Swazo’s potential contract renewal has been finalized by the National Assembly, suggesting the situation remains fluid rather than conclusively terminated.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his professional future, Swazo maintains no regrets about his tenure, asserting that his commitment to constitutional principles and rule of law guided every action during his service as Belize’s Ombudsman.