Description
Former Ombudsman Major Gilbert Swaso is pressing for answers in the case involving nine Haitian minors brought to Belize in 2023, filing a Freedom of Information Act request to determine what progress, if any, has been made since his departure from office. The request comes as the Ministry of Immigration joins the investigation into allegations surrounding the children’s immigration status, guardianship arrangements, refugee and welfare protections, and possible human trafficking concerns allegedly linked to the Beauty Out of Ashes organization. Swaso says key government agencies gave little cooperation when he began probing the matter. With the Ombudsman’s post vacant since December 2025, he says Belizeans deserve answers on whether the investigation has moved forward and what is being done to protect the children.