trunk latch switch change in a 98 Civic

Hello,

Both my trunk light and the dash trunk-is-open indicator stopped
working. It seems that what's wrong is that the electrical switch
located in the trunk latch thingie is not making contact (always off).

For the life of me, I can't remove the black plastic hood that covers
the latch without breaking it, but I'm certain there's a catch
somewhere.

Can anyone help me out with a suggestion on how to remove it?

Thank you,

Serban

P.S. It's weird that in almost 9 years of service I had no burnt light
bulb, but an electrical switch died out.