Ngaio Emanuel, a past student of the Convent High School, has been appointed as Chief Magistrate of Antigua and Barbuda.
According to an article from Antigua.News, the information was confirmed by Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin today.
She delivered her inaugural address as head of the Magistracy during the special sitting of the High Court for the opening of the 2026 law year.
The article further stated that the Attorney General had recommended her for the position in mid-November 2025.
“The appointment fills a critical leadership void that has existed since July 2023, when former Chief Magistrate Joanne Walsh was suspended by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission amid multiple disciplinary charges. Walsh later retired after being found guilty of those charges,” the article explained.
The article went on to add that Magistrate Dexter Wason had been acting in the position since then, but his contract expired late last year.
“Emanuel brings more than a decade of judicial experience to the role, having served as a Magistrate in Antigua and Barbuda since March 2013,” the article said. “She was promoted to Senior Magistrate in March 2024, just months before her elevation to the top position.”
Her legal education began at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, where she earned her LLB with Honours in 2004. Two years later, she completed her Legal Education Certificate at Hugh Wooding Law School and was called to the bars of the Commonwealth of Dominica and Trinidad and Tobago.
Before joining Antigua and Barbuda’s judiciary, Emanuel spent six years practicing law at Chancery Chambers in Trinidad and Tobago, a prestigious firm headed by prominent Senior Counsel Douglas Mendes.
Throughout her judicial career, Emanuel has taken on additional responsibilities beyond her courtroom duties. In 2017, she was appointed Chairperson of the Child Justice Board, a role that underscores her commitment to juvenile justice reform.
Emanuel continued to advance her legal education even while serving on the bench, earning a Master of Laws degree with Merit from the University of East London in 2023.
Congratulations to you. All the Best in 2026.
Way to go Counsel!
i believe a Dominican will be the Prime Minister of Antigua soon. In recent past to present – Dominican
1. Attorney General of Antigua – Hon. justin simon
2. Chief of Police – Artley Rodney
3. DPP – Clement Joseph
4. Manager of ports – Darwin Telemaque
5. Chief Magistrate – Ngaio Emmanuel
Yeah, we see again the Dominica-Antigua link, like in the times of the Kokoy immigration from Montserrat and Antigua
expressing regionalism, example of how the Caribbean Islands/countries can come together as one in order to make a difference in 5he livelihood of its citizens
Congratulations. Madam Chief Magistrate of Antigua and Barbuda.
And don’t be surprised if the next Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda is a Dominican.
We are born Leaders
Hmmmm…beauty and brains I see. Congratulations compatriot and keep making us proud.
well done great archievement you made your,family proud and also countty wish you the best in your new position once agian congratulations
Nuff respect to you .
May you continue to serve well in your new position.
I don/t know you, but you appear to have served the country well.
I hope that you continue your upward development in your career position.
Nuff respect Queen.