Tonight, the Briceno Administration is making dubious history - by suing its own Ombudsman - Herman Swazo, all because it refuses to disclose the legal fees paid to its big name attorneys in the legal challenge to the re-districting.
As we reported, on October 15th the Ombudsman recommended to the Attorney General that he provide information requested by activist Jeremy Enriquez.
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 March general election proceeded as planned even with a lopsided voters' list.
When the AG denied the request, Enriquez appealed to the Ombudsman - which is what the law specifies. The ombudsman granted it and gave his recommendation to the AG two weeks ago - to, quote, "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."
But, government doesn't want to do even that - and today in an unprecedented move they filed an appeal of their own Ombudsman's decision - to basically block his exercise of power.
Speaking to us today, Jeremy Enriquez said, quote, "There is a deep and rabid fear of releasing information, which is reflected across the board..."
But, the Prime Minister - who has a maximalist view his executive power already told us, he doesn't think the Ombudsman has that power:
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"I don't know if the the Ombudsman even has that authority, but that's a matter for I don't know, so I don't want to….twist anything that I am saying."
We'll let you know when this challenge goes to court. Undeterred, Enriquez has already filed another Freedom of Information Request with the Prime Minister requesting disclosure about the expenditure of Constituency Development Funds.
