Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca has publicly addressed the ongoing discourse surrounding Belize’s vacant Ombudsman position, asserting the government’s constitutional prerogative in making appointments. During a recent press engagement, the senior Cabinet member clarified that the administration had no legal obligation to renew the contract of former Ombudsman Major Swaso, despite acknowledging his satisfactory service and personal respect for the official.
Fonseca emphasized the relative brevity of the current vacancy, noting that merely one week has passed since the position became unoccupied. Drawing comparative analysis with previous administrations, he highlighted that the United Democratic Party government had left similar oversight roles unfilled for extended periods exceeding two years—a scenario he maintains has not occurred under the current leadership.
The Foreign Minister provided assurances regarding the imminent appointment process, indicating that a replacement candidate would be identified within the coming weeks. According to Fonseca, the selection criteria will prioritize professional qualifications, demonstrated competence, and the confidence of the Belizean public. This appointment will restore the critical oversight mechanism designed to address citizen grievances against governmental entities.
The Ombudsman’s office serves as an essential institution in Belize’s governance framework, operating as an independent authority responsible for investigating complaints of maladministration within public services. The vacancy has sparked public discourse regarding governmental transparency and accountability mechanisms.