In August we told you that activist Jerry Enriquez had filed a Freedom of Information request asking the attorney general to disclose how much the government paid Courtenay Coye LLP, and Marine Parade Law Chambers, among others, basically to defend the electoral status quo and ensure that the general election - which had already been announced - proceeded as planned. These legal fees stem from the redistricting challenge that was in the courts just prior to the 2025 general elections.
Well, that request was denied and Enriquez took the appeal to the Ombudsman - who has 30 days to consider it. That expired today and - coming through in the clutch - the Ombudsman has now instructed the AG to provide the requested information.
And what happens if they don't? We spoke with Enriquez today via Zoom.
Jerry Enriquez, Activist
"I see this as a great step forward. It's just that is calling the attorney general, but by extension, the government of Belize. So the accountability and transparency of this where so, of course, as a part of their duties to the people of Belize, and we need to remember that it is the people who hired the government to do the job in line with the Constitution. And therefore, I expect that the Attorney General, in his wisdom, will not be playing political games. And will very clearly, objectively pass on the information that the people deserve to know."
Jules Vasquez:
"How soon should this be done or within what timeframe should this be done? And if it is not done, what happens next?"
Jerry Enriquez, Activist
"I hope that the Attorney General will do that as soon as possible. We have already delayed, we've given 14 days for them to provide that information, and an additional 30 days for the Ombudsman to make his analysis and decision. So we do not expect extended delays. Hopefully we could get it within two weeks. That kind of information, as we had requested before, within the two week time frame, we are intending to take this further to court, to ensure that we get the information. But I don't think that the attorney general would like to get into that kind of situation. Honestly, he should just provide the information. There's no reason why he shouldn't. It is within the Freedom of Information Act for him to provide this information."
Jules Vasquez:
"But it may be in his interest to not to ventilate that information, because then you have been saying that the government has weaponized taxpayers funds against the interest of voters by using those taxpayer funds to pay for these elite attorneys, the government has, in fact, using taxpayer funds against the best interests, you argue, of voters. If these disclosures are made on the legal fees paid to these elite attorneys, then it will give the opponents of the government and yourself as well ammunition to say look at what they are doing with your taxpayer dollars to ensure that elections are not fair, you will argue, as defined by the letter of the Constitution."
Jerry Enriquez, Activist
"The Attorney General and the government does have to remember that this is the people's money, it is not their money, we elected them to serve the people. And the people would like to know, how are you using our money? What are you spending to fight this case against the best interests of the nation. Or to preserve the status quo, the people need to know and the freedom of information that provides for the people to know."
The Ombudsman says he has, quote, "recommended that the Attorney General reconsider his position and provide partial disclosure by releasing: "The names of the attorneys or law firms retained by the Government of Belize in the relevant cases; and The total amounts paid to each attorney or firm from public funds..."
He advises Enriquez, quote, "Should the matter remain unresolved, you retain your right under Section 39 of the FOIA to seek redress before the Supreme Court of Belize."
