By Zoila Palma: Eighteen Select Senior Justices of the Peace were officially sworn in on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Family Court in Belize City, strengthening Belize’s efforts to provide urgent legal protection for people experiencing domestic violence.
The newly appointed officers will help address situations where immediate protection is needed but a magistrate is unavailable, including outside regular court hours and during emergencies.
The appointments follow the introduction of the Justices of the Peace (Amendment) Act, 2025, which allows specially designated Senior Justices of the Peace to issue Emergency Interim Protection Orders. These orders may remain in effect for up to 72 hours, providing temporary protection while cases proceed through the appropriate court system. The measure is intended to close a gap in access to emergency legal assistance for people whose safety may be at risk.
Minister of Human Development, Family Support and Gender Affairs, Thea Garcia-Ramirez, emphasized the importance of ensuring that people seeking protection receive a timely response. “When someone reaches out for help, there must be a system capable of responding,” the Minister stated.
She urged the newly sworn-in officers to carry out their duties with sensitivity, fairness and respect, noting that domestic violence affects individuals, families and children. She also stressed that protecting survivors requires cooperation among the Judiciary, law enforcement, government ministries and agencies providing support services.
The 18 newly sworn-in Select Senior Justices of the Peace are Adrian Madrid, Amelio Miguel Cal Jr., Ayonie Briceno, Barrette Johnissa Belisle, Desol Neal, Francisca Guillerma Villamor, Giovanni Noel Tillett, Ion Anthony Cacho, Irene Sandra Cruz, Javier Antonio Williams, Jennifer Wright Braun, Maria Marina Tucker, Marie Lavern Tzul, Moses Martinez, Orlando Espat, Percival Willington Neal, Robert Mossiah and Thomas George Morrison.
The officers received specialized training in the legal procedures for emergency orders, confidentiality, record-keeping and working with vulnerable individuals as Belize strengthens its response to domestic violence.
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By Zoila Palma: Eighteen Select Senior Justices of the Peace were officially sworn in on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Family Court in Belize City, strengthening Belize’s efforts to provide urgent legal protection for people experiencing domestic violence. The newly appointed officers will help address situations where immediate protection is needed but a magistrate is
The post Senior Justices of the Peace sworn in to strengthen response to domestic violence appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
