Chief Magistrate Walsh now officially suspended, while discussions on an interim replacement are underway

Chief Magistrate Joanne Walsh has now been officially suspended
from her post, following the laying of 10 disciplinary charges against
her last week.

Walsh’s suspension comes from the Judicial and Legal Services
Commission, which laid the charges following several months of
investigation.

Reports say the suspension takes effect today, July 20. And while it
is not known for how long it will run, a senior attorney says he
expects the suspension will be for the duration of the hearing by the
Commission’s Disciplinary Committee and until a determination is
made.

Further reports say that Walsh will be receiving full pay until further
notice.

A report on State media claims that discussions are currently being
held to determine who will assume the role of acting chief
magistrate during this period of suspension.

The investigation by the Commission took place following numerous
complaints about Walsh’s conduct, including allegations that she
was abusive to staff.

An investigator came to Antigua in March and conducted a probe
into the complaints and took back his findings to the Commission,
which later charged Walsh. 

She has vowed to fight these charges and reportedly has engaged at
least two attorneys to defend her. 

Sources say that this case, just like that of the former DPP, smells of
a conspiracy, and there are allegations that certain members of the
political administration are trying to shield themselves from
prosecution.