Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin has recommended Senior Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel to become Antigua and Barbuda’s next chief magistrate, submitting her name to the Judicial and Legal Service Commission for approval after the end of Acting Chief Magistrate Dexter Wason’s tenure.
Benjamin said the decision followed “serious considerations,” adding, “I’m certain once that is done that she’ll be appointed as the new chief magistrate.” He described Emanuel as a “professional lady” who has been “outstanding with her judgments and her administration of the courts generally,” calling her “a great asset to the judiciary.” He also credited her for demonstrating “capacity,” a strong command of the law and “administering her court with great distinction.”
Emanuel joined the bench in 2013 and was elevated to senior magistrate in March 2024. She holds an LLB (Hons) from UWI Cave Hill, a Legal Education Certificate from Hugh Wooding Law School and an LLM with Merit from the University of East London. Her legal career includes work in Dominica and Trinidad and Tobago, including six years at Chancery Chambers with Douglas Mendes SC. She has chaired the Child Justice Board since 2017.
The post became vacant in July 2023 after the suspension and later resignation of Joanne Walsh, who was convicted on disciplinary charges. Wason has served in the acting role since her departure.
