Belize's Judiciary is currently going thru major changes and its future seems to be filled with much uncertainty. Only yesterday we featured an interview with the Prime Minister responding to the future of the courts, specifically as it relates to who the next Chief Justice of Belize will be.
The non-renewal of contracts this year by at least 3 sitting Magistrates has given rise for great concern not only amongst those at the Bar Association, but regular citizens who depend upon the justice system.
And Today's swearing-in of four new Magistrates, may signal the government's inability to hold on to seasoned law professionals.
The four sworn in by Acting Chief Justice Samuel Awich are: former Superintendent of Police, Linden Flowers, Keila Teck, a former employee of Belize Legal Aid, Adolph Lucas, Jr. who worked as a journalist for the Reporter newspaper, and Patricia Arana, who worked as a civilian prosecutor at the police's prosecution branch. Chief Magistrate, Margaret McKenzie was there to witness the swearing in and to welcome the new magistrates. The new magistrates have not been given court assignments yet, as they are expected to complete an internship program before they can sit on the bench.
