16 December 2023
Photo of DISGRACED Chief Magistrate Joanne Walsh
The government of Antigua and Barbuda has given disgraced Chief Magistrate Joanne Walsh a back door deal which enables her to keep her full pension and gratuity, even after her bosses at the Judicial and Legal Services Commission sent her letter of termination to the Governor General.
The Government used the rational that the Governor General had not written to Walsh advising her of her termination as the reason for allowing Walsh to tender a bogus and invalid resignation letter. One CAN NOT retire after being terminated.
The High court had earlier ruled, when Walsh challenged her suspension on the grounds that the Governor General had not written to suspend her, the court ruled that the GG is a mere figure head and once the Legal Services Commission made its decision, she was effectively suspended.
This development follows the recent news that Walsh was found guilty on all 15 disciplinary charges brought against her.
The specific nature of these charges and the details of the investigation have not been disclosed to the public. However reliable sources have confirmed they involve serious misappropriation of government funds and other serious acts of misconduct. Many individuals have praised Human Rights advocate, Washington Bramble for starting a movement which eventually toppled a juggernaut of corruption in the judiciary.
The disciplinary hearing concluded in early September after a few days.
Walsh, who held her position for 12 years, had been suspended by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission (JLSC) on July 20, with full pay until the end of the matter.
The suspension was initiated following the issuance of 10 disciplinary charges on July 12, including allegations of failure to transmit funds to the government treasury and the destruction of magistrates’ notes, vouchers, and government property.
During the course of the hearing, five additional charges were introduced.
A tribunal of judges presided over the proceedings, considering evidence related to Walsh’s alleged misconduct and counterarguments from her legal team.
The final verdict was her being found guilty on all counts.
