A significant controversy has emerged in Belize’s political landscape following the government’s decision not to renew the contract of retired Major Swaso as Ombudsman. Social activist Jerry Enriquez has publicly condemned this move, characterizing it as a deliberate retaliation for Swaso’s support of transparency initiatives against the Briceño administration.
The conflict originated in August when Enriquez filed a formal Freedom of Information request seeking disclosure of financial details regarding government payments to attorneys involved in recent constitutional cases. In a pivotal October ruling, the Ombudsman’s office determined in Enriquez’s favor, formally recommending that the Attorney General’s Ministry release portions of the requested information.
Enriquez contends that the non-renewal of Swaso’s contract represents a calculated effort to undermine institutional independence. “This appears to be a deliberate act by the Government of Belize to undermine anyone who stands for what is right when it becomes inconvenient for them,” Enriquez stated in an interview with News Five.
The activist further emphasized the concerning departure from established norms, noting that Ombudsman appointments typically extend for renewable terms totaling approximately nine years. Enriquez expressed grave concerns about the potential replacement, questioning whether the government would install “a pliable political servant rather than a person committed to the laws and constitution of Belize.”
This development raises fundamental questions about the preservation of institutional independence within Belize’s democratic framework, particularly regarding offices designed to serve as checks on governmental power rather than extensions of executive authority.