Former Ombudsman Retired Major Gilbert Swaso has filed a constitutional claim against the Government of Belize, alleging that the non-renewal of his appointment and actions taken against him violated the constitutional independence of the Ombudsman’s Office. Court documents filed this week contend that Swaso was subjected to retaliation after issuing a Freedom of Information ruling involving a request for disclosure of legal fees paid by government to private attorneys engage

As former Ombudsman Major Gilbert Swaso pursues a constitutional challenge against the Government of Belize that includes allegations relating to compensation during his tenure, Parliament is also considering legislation that would alter the remuneration provisions governing another key oversight office: the Contractor-General. The proposed Contractor-General (Amendment) Act, 2026--tabled virtually simultaneously with the Ombudsman amendment--would repeal and replace Section

Opposition Leader Tracy Taegar Panton is urging Belizeans to pay close attention to what she describes as growing concerns surrounding constitutional rights, government accountability and the independence of oversight institutions, placing particular emphasis on the ongoing vacancy in the Office of the Ombudsman and the legal challenge brought by former Ombudsman Major Gilbert Swaso. In a series of public statements issued over recent days, Panton argued that the issues raise