Ombudsman’s Office to Issue Decision Soon on FOIA Review Request

Nearly a month after public interest litigant Jeremy Enriquez petitioned the Ombudsman to review the Attorney General’s refusal of his Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, the Ombudsman’s Office has indicated that a formal response will be issued early next week outlining its decision.

Enriquez confirmed to The Reporter that the Ombudsman personally contacted him on Thursday to advise that a determination is forthcoming. His letter, dated September 10 and submitted on September 11, 2025, requested a review under Sections 35, 37, and 39 of the FOIA after the Attorney General’s Ministry denied disclosure of legal fees paid to attorneys representing the State in redistricting-related litigation.

The Ministry’s September 2 refusal cited Section 28(1) of the Act, claiming that disclosure could have a “substantial adverse effect” on the Government’s interests in active or potential legal proceedings. Enriquez has challenged that position, arguing that the exemption was improperly applied and that disclosure of legal fees—paid from public funds—serves the public interest by ensuring transparency and accountability.

The request seeks detailed information on payments made to each attorney or law firm retained by the State since January 1, 2025, in connection with his constitutional claim challenging the country’s electoral boundaries. Enriquez maintains that the amounts and recipients of legal fees do not reveal privileged legal strategy and that such disclosures have precedent in prior government releases.

If the Ombudsman rules in Enriquez’s favor, the office could order the Attorney General’s Ministry to release the information or to provide sufficient justification for maintaining the exemption. Should the outcome uphold the refusal, Enriquez has previously stated that he may pursue judicial review to compel access.

The Ombuds-man’s forthcoming decision will mark the first formal response to Enriquez’s appeal and could set a significant precedent for how access-to-information disputes are handled in Belize, particularly in cases involving government legal expenditure and constitutional litigation.