Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin has formally proposed Senior Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel as the next Chief Magistrate of Antigua and Barbuda. Her nomination has been submitted to the Judicial and Legal Service Commission for approval, following the conclusion of Acting Chief Magistrate Dexter Wason’s interim tenure. Benjamin emphasized that the recommendation was made after “serious considerations,” expressing confidence that Emanuel will be appointed to the role. He praised her as a “professional lady” who has demonstrated exceptional judgment and court administration, describing her as “a great asset to the judiciary.” Benjamin also highlighted her legal expertise, capacity, and distinguished court management. Emanuel, who joined the bench in 2013 and was promoted to Senior Magistrate in March 2024, 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 extensive legal career spans Dominica and Trinidad and Tobago, including six years at Chancery Chambers with Douglas Mendes SC. Since 2017, she has chaired the Child Justice Board. The Chief Magistrate position became vacant in July 2023 after the suspension and subsequent resignation of Joanne Walsh, who faced disciplinary charges. Wason has served as Acting Chief Magistrate since her departure.
Benjamin Recommends Senior Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel for Chief Magistrate Post
