Chief Magistrate speaks candidly about her being accused of ‘inciting’ disquiet in the Magistracy

Chief Magistrate Sharon Fraser is demitting office later this month as she’s retiring from the public service after more than 35 years. Her replacement, it appears, will be someone from Sri Lanka and that decision by the Government of Belize has not been met with welcome arms. Reports are that several magistrates are not happy with this. Following a recent interview on the subject, Fraser has come under heavy criticism for what has been seen as Fraser’s inciting disquiet among the Magistracy’s ranks. Today, she spoke candidly about those accusations and explained that her way of doing things has never come with ill intentions. Here’s how she explained it.

Sharon Fraser, Chief Magistrate: “It’s really unfortunate that that is out there because that is far from the truth. In fact I have been saying to my colleagues that in fact we need to continue with what it is we’re doing. We need to continue serving the public, meeting our timelines, doing what we need to do. I have in fact been encouraging them that yes they’re not comfortable about a number of things, I know they would have had a meeting with the Chief Justice who in fact in formed me that the meeting went well. Unfortunately I wasn’t there but she informed me that the meeting went well. Giving them a room to express whatever disquiet, whatever concerns that they have. I clearly cannot speak to any more concerns because I’m out basically but at not point, at no time have I ever incited. In fact when I spoke to them my exact words to them was I cannot tell you all what to do, I cannot incite you, I will not. I know a part of their concern would have been some of the terms and conditions of their service but they have been given an avenue to address it and I’m hoping that they can very well address their concerns. I cannot say that I’ve been afforded that opportunity to express that concern but it’s not about me. It’s not about me anymore. I’ve served my time, I’m at peace with that and that is how I intend to leave.”

Fraser also added that she’s saddened by the entire situation because it detracts from a lot of good things that have happened. This is how she responded when asked to gauge the situation.

Sharon Fraser, Chief Magistrate: “Yes I am. I am because here we have a situation where having invested youth, time, everything thirty four and a half years to the people and the Government of Belize I feel that in fact everything I’ve fought for is really not being looked at. This is – its maybe disregarded. I don’t know I’m not saying that is the case I’m not gonna throw any shade on anyone, I’m not casting any aspersions. I’m just simply saying after I’ve sat, I’ve fought, I’ve had nothing but good intentions for the people and Government of Belize that I’ve given my entire life to straight out of sixth form I never went anywhere, I never abandoned the ship I’ve been here to the very end so yes I am disappointed.”