Outgoing Chief Justice Praised for Transforming TCI Judiciary
- Vivian Tyson, NewslineTCI Editor
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
Outgoing Chief Justice Mabel Agyemang has been hailed as a transformational leader who reshaped the judiciary of the Turks and Caicos Islands, as senior officials and members of the legal fraternity gathered for a valedictory sitting in her honour on March 23, 2026.
The ceremony, held at the Supreme Court Annex in Providenciales, marked the end of her six-year tenure, during which she led sweeping reforms aimed at modernizing the administration of justice and strengthening judicial independence.
Delivering a tribute before the Court, Attorney General Hon. Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles described Agyemang’s tenure as a period of “tireless commitment to modernization,” noting that her leadership resulted in a more efficient, accessible, and technology-driven court system.
Appointed on April 1, 2020, at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chief Justice quickly introduced virtual and hybrid hearings to ensure continuity in court operations. Over the course of her tenure, she spearheaded more than 30 legislative and procedural reforms, including new court rules, sentencing guidelines, and measures to expand legal aid and improve transparency.
Braithwaite-Knowles highlighted several key initiatives, including the establishment of the Judicial Education Institute, the introduction of court-connected mediation, and the launch of the TCI Legal Information Institute to improve public access to legal resources. She also pointed to advancements in victim-witness support and reforms aimed at improving access to justice for vulnerable groups.
“Her Ladyship leaves behind a well-established legacy of meaningful achievement defined by comprehensive modernization and reform,” the Attorney General said.
President of the Turks and Caicos Islands Bar Association, Mark Fulford, also paid tribute, describing Agyemang’s tenure as pivotal in strengthening the judiciary as an independent arm of government.
He acknowledged that some of her early reform efforts were initially met with resistance, including from members of the Bar, but said those differences ultimately evolved into constructive collaboration.
“Disagreement matured into partnership,” Fulford noted, adding that her leadership helped build systems designed to endure beyond individuals.
Fulford emphasized that her most significant contribution was not any single reform, but the institutional strength she brought to the judiciary.
“By staying the course, she gave this country something priceless, a judiciary that does not bend with the wind,” he said.
During her tenure, Agyemang also promoted alternative dispute resolution, trained dozens of mediators, and advanced efforts toward digitizing court processes through electronic filing systems. She played a key role in improving coordination among criminal justice stakeholders and advocated for expanded judicial infrastructure across the islands.
While some initiatives, such as the development of a new judicial estate, remain ongoing, speakers noted that her efforts laid a strong foundation for future progress.
In a personal reflection, the Attorney General described Agyemang as a mentor and collaborative leader, praising her openness to consultation and engagement with stakeholders across the justice system.
As she demits office at the end of March 2026, Chief Justice Agyemang leaves behind a judiciary widely regarded as more modern, resilient, and institutionally grounded.
Speakers at the ceremony agreed that her legacy will endure in both the reforms she implemented and the direction she set for the future of justice in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
“You did not simply serve the office of Chief Justice,” Fulford said in closing. “You strengthened it, and for that, this country will be better for generations to come.”