Judicial Settlement Officers Take Oath in Justice System Reform Push

Ten senior counsels appointed by the Chief Justice to serve as Settlement Officers were officially sworn in during a ceremony held this morning, marking an important step in strengthening Belize’s justice system.  The newly appointed officers will oversee Judicial Settlement Conferences, an alternative dispute resolution mechanism aimed at settling cases or narrowing the issues in dispute before matters proceed to full trial. The initiative is designed to save time and judicial resources, expedite the resolution of disputes, and empower parties to reach mutually acceptable outcomes.  Among those sworn in were Eamon Courtenay, Rodwell Williams, Magali Marin-Young, Andrew Marshalleck, and Frederick Lumor, along with other senior members of the Bar.  Speaking with Love News following the ceremony, Senior Counsel Andrew Marshalleck explained that the work of settlement officers will be carried out pro bono, underscoring the legal profession’s commitment to improving access to justice and easing the burden on the courts.

The introduction of settlement officers is expected to play a key role in reducing court backlogs and promoting more efficient, cooperative approaches to resolving civil disputes within Belize’s judicial system