On July 6, 2026, members of Belize’s legal fraternity came together at the Supreme Court building in Belize City to pay tribute to two pioneering women whose decades of work fundamentally shaped the nation’s justice system. The special memorial sitting drew sitting judges, practicing attorneys, family members, and longtime colleagues of former Senior Counsel Robertha Magnus-Usher and Agnes Segura-Gillett, two legal professionals whose influence on Belizean law continues to resonate long after their passing.
Jose Alpuche, president of the Belize Bar Association, opened reflections on the legacy the pair left behind, emphasizing that their contributions extend far beyond their individual careers to touch every corner of the nation’s legal community. “Unfortunately, two very great women in our profession. I am sure you have heard all the remembrances and stories shared. These were women who certainly left their mark on the legal profession in Belize, and they were excellent members of the Belizean community. So, it was only fitting that us as professionals as attorneys gather to celebrate them and remember them and their legacy,” Alpuche told reporters following the event.
For many younger legal professionals who worked alongside Segura-Gillett, her impact extended far beyond her formal professional achievements. Giann Ramclam, who once worked as an employee for the late legal figure, described the shock of her passing in May 2026, and highlighted the mentorship she offered to everyone joining the profession. “Her passing came as a shock. She was a determined person, lively, ambitious. No matter what she accomplished in life, she never settled. She kept striving for more. I was privileged to know Ms. Gillett not just as a boss, but a mentor,” Ramclam shared. “She was a brilliant mind, generous, loving and welcoming, and she welcomed us as a part of her family and she never failed to teach us and share her knowledge.”
Magnus-Usher, the first of the two legal leaders to pass away, died in July 2025, leaving behind a decades-long legacy of public service and legal excellence. Today’s gathering marked a rare moment of collective pause for the Belizean justice system, bringing together competitors and colleagues alike to honor the two women who broke barriers and set new standards for service in the country’s legal community.
This report is adapted from a transcript of an evening television newscast, with all quoted content preserved for accuracy.