Panton Slams Non-Renewal of Ombudsman Contract as Threat to Accountability

Opposition Leader Tracy Panton has sharply criticised the Government for its decision not to renew the contract of Ombudsman Gilbert Swazo, describing the move as troubling and potentially damaging to public confidence in oversight institutions. The Ombudsman plays a key role in promoting transparency, accountability, and fairness in public administration. Gilbert Swazo has served in that capacity under a contractual arrangement, which the Government has now opted not to renew.  Speaking publicly on the matter, Panton questioned the timing and rationale behind the decision, arguing that the Government has failed to provide a clear and satisfactory explanation for allowing the Ombudsman’s contract to lapse. She warned that the move could be perceived as undermining the independence of an office specifically designed to hold the State accountable.

Tracy Panton, Leader of the Opposition: “Look at the office of the Ombudsman. That’s a constitutionally appointed office. It is a constitutional oversight mechanism. And while in terms, you know, while the appointment of the Ombudsman is largely driven by what the government wants, there is consultation. There is consultation with the Leader of the Opposition. There is consultation ratification by the members of the Senate, which include our social partners. But here the government decides the current ombudsman, who they appointed technically, who they recommended to the Governor General is no longer capable or no longer fit for office when he has demonstrated that he was prepared to follow the Constitution and he was prepared to follow the rule of law.”

For context, the Office of the Ombudsman is an independent constitutional body tasked with investigating complaints from citizens against government departments and public authorities. Panton further contended that at a time when citizens are increasingly demanding transparency and good governance, weakening or destabilizing the Office of the Ombudsman sends the wrong signal. She maintained that any decision affecting such a critical institution should be handled with openness and guided by national interest rather than political convenience.  The Government has not yet issued a detailed public statement outlining its reasons for not renewing Swazo’s contract./