But since Swaso hadn't expected a non-renewal of his contract, we're left to wonder whether a recent string of events caused it. As we told you, Jerry Enriquez wrote to the Ombudsman after his Freedom of Information request to disclose the amount paid to Marine Chambers and Courtenay and Coye law firms was denied by the Attorney General. The Ombudsman sided with him and recommended that the AG release the information. The matter went to court and was shut down.
So is this now the price Swaso must pay for going against the government? We asked him what he thought.
Courtney Menzies:
"Do you believe that the non-renewal has anything to do with you pushing for information that Jerry Enriquez requested in his FOIA?"
Gilbert Swaso, Ombudsman
"The ombudsman made a determination in regards to the stipulations of the law. That case as is, is also part of the democratic process and is in front of the court and we see how it goes from there."
Courtney Menzies:
"What do you make of the fact that they took your office to court over this issue?"
Gilbert Swaso, Ombudsman
"Again, appeal is a natural process and it is stipulated within the freedom of information act. The government believes that there are issues, perhaps with the decision made by the Ombudsman, so they exercise their legal right, under statute, to appeal that decision. If it was in the other hand that Mr Enriquez in this was not comfortable or happy with the decision made by the Ombudsman, he too has that constitutional right to make an appeal or ask for judicial review."
"The Office of the Ombudsman, I as the Ombudsman, used the law how it is, or it is not for me to interpret the law but I have a legal officer to help to determine what he believes those are and we acted within the confines of the law and it is my humble view that independence of this office was demonstrated by me, will continue to be upheld by me and it is my hope that whosoever is the next Ombudsman, ensures that the office remains independent in service to the people of Belize."
