Antigua and Barbuda’s judicial system has ushered in a new era of leadership with the formal appointment of Senior Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel as Chief Magistrate. The landmark appointment was officially confirmed by Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin during a special High Court sitting commemorating the opening of the 2026 legal year, where Magistrate Emanuel delivered her inaugural address.
The appointment concludes a significant leadership gap within the magistracy that had persisted since July 2023. This vacancy emerged following the suspension and subsequent retirement of former Chief Magistrate Joanne Walsh after disciplinary proceedings were initiated by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission. Magistrate Dexter Wason temporarily filled the position in an acting capacity until his contract concluded in late 2025. Attorney General Benjamin disclosed that he had formally recommended Emanuel for the prestigious position in mid-November 2025.
Magistrate Emanuel brings substantial judicial experience to her new role, having served on the Antigua and Barbuda magistracy since March 2013 before earning promotion to Senior Magistrate in March 2024. Her distinguished academic credentials include an Honors LLB from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, professional legal training at Trinidad’s Hugh Wooding Law School, and a Master of Laws degree with merit obtained from the University of East London in 2023.
Prior to her judicial appointment, Emanuel established her legal career through private practice in Trinidad and Tobago. She has further demonstrated her commitment to specialized justice sectors through her service as Chairperson of the Child Justice Board, highlighting her particular expertise and dedication to juvenile justice matters.