News

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

The National Kriol Council (NKC) has issued a formal statement reaffirming what it describes as the Indigenous identity, ancestral rights, and historical presence of the Kriol people in Belize. In the declaration, the Council argues that Kriols are among the country's foundational peoples and should be recognized for their long-standing contributions to Belize's development, governance, economy, and culture. The statement stresses that the Kriol people are not a recent popula

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is calling on countries across the Americas to remain vigilant and strengthen their emergency preparedness plans as the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season begins. Although weather experts predict that this year's hurricane season will be less active than recent years, PAHO warns that even one powerful storm can cause major damage and disrupt essential health services. Leonardo Hernández, Head of PAHO’s Emergency Operations Unit, said th