PSU Urges Citizens to Move Beyond Social Media Complaints

President of the Public Service Union (PSU), Dean Flowers, has raised concerns over the government’s decision not to renew the contract of Ombudsman Gilbert Swaso, suggesting the move raises broader questions about governance, accountability, and the treatment of public officials who challenge state decisions.  Speaking on the matter, Flowers questioned whether the administration of Prime Minister John Briceño may be adopting a pattern seen in other jurisdictions, where individuals or institutions that speak out against those in power face adverse consequences. He linked his concerns to the Ombudsman’s recent clashes with the government, particularly over transparency and access to information.  In October of last year, the Briceño administration took the Ombudsman to court following a dispute rooted in a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. The case arose after social activist Jeremy Enriquez sought information on legal fees connected to the national redistricting case. When the request was denied by the Attorney General, Enriquez appealed to the Ombudsman, who ordered partial disclosure. The government, however, challenged that ruling in court, asking that the decision be set aside.  Against that backdrop, Flowers said the decision not to renew the Ombudsman’s contract inevitably invites public scrutiny.  Flowers acknowledged, however, that from a labour standpoint, the unions have limited scope to intervene in this instance, noting that the Ombudsman was employed under a fixed contract, which has now expired.

Dean Flowers, President, PSU: “I think where the matter of the Ombudsman is concerned it’s a matter of national importance. And so the PSU would have lent support to the National Trade Union Congress of Belize who would have made every effort to address their concern or the Congress’ concern with the Ombudsman himself as well as with the Government of Belize. I think sadly for man I saw an ombudsman who, in my humble and respectful opinion, once again displayed that we seem to be more concerned about preserving our economic interests than and speaking out against the poor governance system that keeps us trapped and that always exposes us to these types of victimization when we don’t sing a tune that the politicians like. I think the Ombudsman should have, in my humble opinion, he did not speak out against what he knew was coming. Again, to preserve in my humble opinion, again his perhaps his legacy within the People’s United Party. But that’s unfortunate and Belizeans have to understand that while yes people will say, well we have to, people have to eat, people to survive. Yeah, but not at the expense of our entire country and at the expense of your children. It’s better that we all die if it is that we are going to be living as a bunch of sheep instead of defending good governance, defending a better future for our country. So that’s what I believe where that matter is concerned. But in terms of the non-renewal, it’s difficult to challenge because the reality is that he had a contract.”

Beyond the immediate issue of the Ombudsman’s contract, the PSU President also used the opportunity to issue a broader call to civic engagement. Flowers appealed to citizens who, he says, often express dissatisfaction through social media but stop short of more direct action.

Dean Flowers, President, PSU: “He had a contract, it expired and the employer has the right to determine that. Now, if the Belizean people wants the Constitution or the law to change, and so for all those who are well known for utilizing their phone screen to express their expert opinions, organize. Organize, lead a protest, I’ll be out there demanding change in the legislation that any future Ombudsman that is appointed is guaranteed some form of security. of tenure and we get the thing changed but just making meaningless commentaries on social media for the most part and in our little private circles won’t change the broken system. Hold your government accountable.”

The government has maintained that contractual matters are handled in accordance with established procedures and has not publicly linked the non-renewal decision to the ongoing legal dispute with the Ombudsman.