By William Ysaguirre

(Freelance Writer)

BELIZE CITY, Thurs. Sept. 25, 2025

   The Ombudsman of Belize, Major (retired) H. Gilbert Swaso, presented his annual report for the year 2024 to the National Assembly on Friday, September 12, and he explained his key findings, recommendations and the systemic issues to the Ombudsman Report Committee last Wednesday, September 17.

   The committee comprises PUP representatives Hon. Kareem Musa, Hon. Rodwell Ferguson, Hon. Ramon Cervantes, Hon. Devin Daly; UDP members of the House – Hon. Godwin Haylock and Hon Miguel Guerra; and ex officio, the Clerk of the National Assembly, Clarita Pech.

   His report details the total number of complaints his office received, categorized by the complainants’ gender, as well as which government departments and public authorities were most often identified in cases of mal-administration. The major causes of many of the complaints were the abuse of authority, neglect of duty, the failure to follow proper procedures, and delays in service delivery.

   The Barbados’ Ombudsman’s visit and the oversight during states of emergency were also highlighted, and there were special reports on systemic concerns such as the neglect of mental health care within the Belize National Coast Guard.

   The Ombudsman will explain his findings and recommendations in detail in public meetings with the media from September 30 to October 3 of this year.

   A release from his office claims that the Ombudsman’s Annual Report 2024 is available on the official Ombudsman website, but it has not been uploaded yet. The most recent report on the website is from 2020. It is also supposed to be accessible at libraries across the country.

   Swaso took up his appointment as the Ombudsman in January 2023, and the release from his office pledges: “Here to Hear You – Fairness and Justice Matters”. It is also noted in the release that he remains steadfast in his mandate to ensure fairness, justice, and accountability in public administration. He encourages all citizens to remain engaged in strengthening good governance in Belize.