Ombudsman Suazo Seeks Legal Action Over Non-Renewal of Contract

Belize’s Ombudsman, Retired Major Gilbert Suazo, says he is seeking legal recourse after being informed that his contract, which expires on December 31, will not be renewed.  Major (Ret’d) Suazo explained that he had formally applied for a renewal and was personally told by Prime Minister John Briceño that the Cabinet Secretary would follow up with him on the matter. However, he says the only contact made was a letter from the Cabinet Secretary advising that his contract would not be renewed.  Suazo added that the letter was received in his email inbox on Christmas Eve, a development he says left him surprised and deeply concerned about the process used.  According to Suazo, the decision is procedurally flawed because the Ombudsman is an appointment made by Parliament, not the Cabinet Secretary.

Suazo maintains that any decision affecting his tenure should therefore be handled through parliamentary procedures to preserve the independence of the office.  Major (Ret’d) Gilbert Suazo says he is pursuing legal action, arguing that the issue goes beyond his personal contract and touches on the constitutional autonomy of the Office of the Ombudsman.  Suazo has served as Belize’s Ombudsman since his appointment in February 2023 with his current term coming to an end tomorrow.