Ombudsman’s Annual Report Highlights Budget Constraints and Key Concerns

The Ombudsman Office in Belize has submitted the 21st annual report to the Speaker of the House, Valerie Woods. As required by the Ombudsman Act, an annual report of the progress is required to be submitted to parliament. The report outlines the progress, challenges, and future endeavors of the Ombudsman’s Office, while highlighting key areas of concern. In 2023, the detailed report highlighted budgetary constraints addressing the inadequacy of budget allocations, complaints and resolutions addressing the 87 complaints against governmental bodies and 5 against private individuals, challenges for retired public officers which addressed the recurring issue of delayed retirement benefits payment and judicial and detention concerns which were complaints from inmates who had been remanded for prolonged periods. Ombudsman, Major Gilbert Suazo, gave a brief overview on this year’s report.

The Ombudsman will make an appearance on The Morning Show on Monday to give details on the 21st annual report.