Greetings!

Welcome to the official website of the Magistracy of Belize. This is our first website dedicated to helping the public understand how we operate and what to expect when interacting with our courts across Belize. This website reflects our commitment to improving the accessibility and efficiency of the Magistrate Courts. In an age of digitization, we acknowledge the demand for information to be readily available.

While we do not yet feature e-filing, this site serves as a core resource for unrepresented litigants, addressing frequently asked questions regarding bail, court attendance, lodging civil suits and more. 

To manage our heavy case-loads efficiently, we have modernized our internal procedures. By implementing case management for trial scheduling, accommodating virtual hearings, and investing in new technology, we strive to minimize delays and provide a more accessible, user-friendly experience.

Our team of Magistrates and staff is proudly dedicated to executing justice with the ultimate degree of efficiency and integrity. Thank you for your support as we continue to improve access to justice.

Director Shanti Morrison-Novelo is the Director of the Belize Family Court, bringing over a decade of judicial leadership and experience in the administration of justice. A Belizean legal professional, she previously served as a Magistrate in the Belize Family Court from 2014 to 2023, where she presided over a broad range of family and child-related matters, involving children, families, child protection, domestic violence, maintenance, custody, and other family law proceedings. Her judicial experience has been guided by a steadfast commitment to safeguarding the rights and best interests of children and ensuring access to justice for vulnerable families while developing extensive expertise in family justice, child protection, and judicial decision-making.

Director Morrison-Novelo earned a Bachelor of English from the University of Belize before pursuing a Bachelor of Laws at the University of the West Indies. She subsequently obtained her Legal Education Certificate from the Norman Manley Law School, qualifying her for legal practice within the Caribbean.

Before entering the judiciary, she served as a teacher at the Muslim Community Primary School in Belize, an experience that shaped her understanding of child development and education. It strengthened her commitment to the welfare and development of children and families. Since her appointment as Director of the Belize Family Court in 2023, she has provided strategic leadership in advancing the efficient administration of family justice and promoting best practices within the court system.

Since her appointment as Director of the Belize Family Court in 2023, Director Morrison-Novelo has provided leadership in strengthening the administration of family justice and advancing child-centered judicial practices. She has been actively engaged in promoting the effective implementation of child protection and child justice principles consistent with Belizean law and international standards, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and other internationally recognized child justice instruments.

Director Morrison-Novelo brings a wealth of practical judicial insight, extensive courtroom experience, and a strong commitment to strengthening the capacity of justice-sector professionals, particularly in the areas of family justice, child justice, the protection of children’s rights and the judiciary’s critical role in ensuring that every child who comes into contact with the justice system is treated with dignity, fairness, and in accordance with the rule of law.

Her Worship Aretha Elinor Ford, LL.B., Barrister (Non-Practicing)

Senior Magistrate, Corozal Judicial District

Mrs. Ford serves within the Belize Magistracy and possesses extensive legal experience, coupled with a steadfast commitment to public service. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from the University of London, a Postgraduate Diploma in Bar Professional Training Studies from the University of the West of England, and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Mississippi Valley State University. Mrs. Ford is a member of the Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn, was called to the Bar of England and Wales, and is duly entered on the Rolls of Attorneys-at-Law in Belize.

Highly, accomplished beyond the courtroom, Mrs. Ford has also successfully completed the University Expert Course in Digital Forensic Analysis and First Responder Procedures offered by the Universidad Europea Miguel de Cervantes in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the London School of Law and Criminology (2023).

She further possesses specialized training in areas including extradition, money laundering, trafficking in persons, judicial ethics, evidentiary bench practice, case management, Child Labor Legislative Review Committee (Lawyers without Borders), and Court-Connected Criminal Mediation. Mrs. Ford remains steadfast in her dedication to informing, protecting, and promoting the fair administration of justice across Belize.

TRICIA A.G. PITTS-ANDERSON

Tricia A.G. Pitts-Anderson graduated in 2000 with Honors from the University of Belize with a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Certficate in Para Legal Studies. Led by her calling, she read for law at the University of the West Indies 2001-2004 where she obtained a Bachelor of Laws Upper Second Class Honors and then transitioned to the prestigious Norman Manley Law School for legal professional training.

Upon completion of a Certificate of Legal Education from Norman Law School in 2006, she was admitted to the Roll as an Attorney and entered into private practice treating intimatey with varying areas of law including family, civil, criminal, probate & estate, real property and employment. She also prosecuted applications for restraining orders under the Money Laundering & Terrorsim (Prevention) Act. In In her 13 years PQE prior to being sworn in as a Senior Magistrate, Mrs. Pitts-Anderson volunteered her services at legal aid clinics hosted by the National Women’s Commission, represented persons pro bono publico, and served as Chairperson of the Social Security Appeal Tribunal. She imparted the fundamentals of Administrative Law and Caribbean Law and Legal Systems as a lecturer at Wesley Junior College. She served clients as Managing Partner and Notary Public of her own law practice up until her appointment as a Senior Magistrate in 2019 .

Since her appointment Mrs. Pitts-Anderson has embraced and enhanced her role as a judicial officer by participating in several trainings such as UNDOC’s Judical Conduct and Ethics, Understanding Children and the Law and the Use of Case Management Tools, Plea Bargaining and Sentencing Indication as well serve as a member of the Judicial Ethics Revision Commitee and the Criminal Justice Board.

Senior Magistrate Sashawna Jody-Ann Thompson, a Jamaican-born Resident Magistrate, serves within the Belize Magistracy, bringing regional legal experience and a strong commitment to justice.

She earned her Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from the University of the West Indies (Mona) and her Legal Education Certificate from the Norman Manley Law School. She is called to the Bar of Attorneys in two jurisdictions, Belize and Jamaica. She began her career as a defense attorney in Jamaica before transitioning into the Belize Magistracy Department, where she has served for over several years. In 2026, she was promoted to Senior Magistrate in recognition of her dedication to the Magistracy.

A recipient of the highly coveted Jamaican National Prime Minister’s Youth Award for Excellence in the category of Leadership (2024), Senior Magistrate Thompson is praised for her impact beyond the courtroom.

Her professional development includes training in court-annexed criminal mediation and certifications in first response and digital forensics in criminology. She has accumulated countless certifications and recognition in the field of law.

She continues to work diligently in the Magistracy to inform, protect and promote justice in Belize.

Sincerely,
Sashawna Thompson
Magistrada superior

Her Worship Christina A. Perera
Magistrate, Belize Judicial District

Christina A. Perera was born in Belize City, Belize. She attended the University of the West Indies where she obtained a Bachelor of Laws in 2014 and concluded her studies at Norman Manley Law School where she received a Legal Education Certificate in 2016. In that same year she was called to the bar in Belize and practised with the firm of W.H. Courtenay & Co.
In 2018, she was appointed to her current position as a Magistrate of the Magistrate Court of Belize.

Magistrate David R. P. Edmund is an Attorney-at-Law with almost a decade of legal experience in criminal, civil, and family litigation across the Caribbean. He was admitted to practise in Trinidad and Tobago in 2016, Grenada in 2021, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines in 2022. Prior to his appointment to the Judiciary of Belize in March 2026, he served as Partner at Jus Pro Attorneys-at-Law, where he appeared regularly before the High Courts, Master Courts and District Courts in Trinidad and Tobago and the Eastern Caribbean.

Magistrate Edmund holds a Legal Education Certificate from the Sir Hugh Wooding Law School. He also holds a Bachelor of Laws (First Class Honours) and a Bachelor of Science in Government and International Relations (First Class Honours) from the University of the West Indies.

He has been recognised for academic and advocacy excellence, including serving as Valedictorian of the Faculty of Law at the University of the West Indies and winning the Human Rights Public Speaking Competition at the Sir Hugh Wooding Law School.

As a Magistrate in Belize, he presides over matters within the summary criminal, civil, and family jurisdictions of the Magistrates’ Courts, including bail hearings, preliminary enquiries, domestic violence applications, family proceedings, and inquests.

Outside of his judicial duties, Magistrate Edmund enjoys outdoor adventures, cooking, travelling for cultural experiences, contributing to youth development initiatives and volunteer work.

Her Worship Kara Kadene Walters, BA, LL. B, LEC.

Magistrate, Belize Judicial District

Magistrate Walters serves within the Belize Magistracy, bringing extensive regional and local legal experience and a steadfast commitment to public service. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2009 and Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) in 2015 from the University of the West Indies and a Legal Education Certificate (LEC) from the Norman Manley Law School in 2017 and is admitted to the Bar of Attorneys in Jamaica, WI.

Magistrate Walters has extensive advocacy experience in the criminal courts, appearing in Firearm, Murder and Trafficking matters before moving on to the bench. She continues to use that experience in the Belizean courts. She has been trained in court annexed mediation, judicial ethics, money laundering, media training and others to be better able to serve the Belizean people. She was a member of the team responsible for drafting the current Judicial Code and Etiquette for Judicial Officers. She strongly believes that this is a job of service above self.

Her Worship Lois Michele Young, Magistrate, Belize Judicial District

Lois Michele Young serves within the Belize Magistracy bringing extensive local, regional, and international legal experience to the public service. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB, Honours) from King’s College, University of London, and a Certificate of Legal Education from the Council of Legal Education, London. She was Called to the Degree of an Utter Barrister by the Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn. Lois Young is admitted to the Bar of Attorneys in Belize and is a Senior Counsel, the first woman in Belize to be elevated to that rank.

Lois M. Young began her legal career as a public oƯicer in the OƯice of the Director of Public Prosecutions of Belize and as Crown Counsel in the Ministry of the Attorney General, before serving as a Magistrate for one year. She then entered private practice in 1977, becoming the first woman to open a law firm in Belize. Over thirty-five years, she led Chambers of Lois Young Barrow & Co., appearing before the High Court, Court of Appeal, the Caribbean Court of Justice, and the Privy Council in landmark constitutional and commercial matters. She served as President of the Belize Bar Association and as Honorary Consul for the Republic of Korea from 2000 to 2005. Among her honours are the Belize Open Scholarship (1969), the Order of Distinction awarded by the Governor-General of Belize (2008), and the Caribbean Court of Justice’s “Pioneering Caribbean Woman Jurist Award” (2023).

In August 2012, Lois M. Young entered the diplomatic service of the Government of Belize as Ambassador Extraordinary and Permanent Representative of Belize to the United Nations, a post she held for eight years. During this tenure she served as Co-Facilitator representing developing countries for the follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Co-Chair of the UN Steering Committee on Partnerships for Small Island Developing States, and Caribbean Chair of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS). She represented AOSIS at seven Conferences of Parties to the UNFCCC, including COP 21 at which the Paris Agreement on Climate Change was signed, and served on the Governing Bureau of the UNFCCC representing the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States (GRULAC).

In 2024, Lois M. Young transitioned to the Magistracy and has served as a Temporary Magistrate in the Belize Judicial District since April 2024.

Her Worship Sharmaine N. Gillett

Magistrate Orange Walk Judicial District

Sharmaine N. Gillett of Belize City, Belize currently serves as a Magistrate within the Magistracy of Belize. She is a distinguished legal professional with a strong academic background and a demonstrated commitment to public service, education, and societal development.

Magistrate Gillett earned a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from The University of The West Indies, Cave Hill Campus and later obtained her Legal Education Certificate from Norman Manley Law School. She also holds a Bachelor of Science Psychology (Special) Honours degree from The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus. Her early academic foundation was built at two of Belize’s most respected educational institutions, St. Catherine Academy and St. John’s College Junior College.

Prior to joining the Judiciary, Sharmaine Gillett served as Crown Counsel within both the International Legal Affairs Unit and the Legal Advice and Services Unit of the Attorney General’s Ministry. In these capacities, she made legal representations, contributed to legal policy development and provided critical legal guidance on matters of national and regional importance.                                                Throughout her professional career, she has also served on several national committees, including the Refugee Committee and the Caribbean Free Movement Committee, among others, reflecting her active involvement in legal and policy issues affecting Belize and the wider Caribbean region.

In addition to her legal career, Magistrate Gillett has contributed significantly to education, having served as an educator at two of Belize’s leading secondary and tertiary institutions. Her work in education underscores her dedication to youth development and national advancement through learning.     

Further demonstrating her commitment to family and community welfare, she is a trained and sworn Family Court Mediator, having earned her certification through The University of the West Indies, Open Campus Belize. Her diverse professional experiences highlight a career grounded in  justice, public service, education, and community engagement.

Her Worship Tehri-Ann Brown, LL.B.
Magistrate, Belize Judicial District

Professional Profile

Ms. Brown serves within the Belize Magistracy, bringing extensive regional and local legal experience and a steadfast commitment to public service. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from University of the West Indies, Mona Campus and a Legal Education Certificate (LEC) from Norman Manley Law School, and is admitted to the Bar of Attorneys in Jamaica.

Judicial Experience & Career Milestones

Ms. Brown began her legal career as an Attorney-at-Law in a private practice and worked with a boutique IT project management company, where she gained valuable experience in both legal and business environments. Before her appointment to the Belize Magistracy Department in October 2022, she served within the Anti-Money Laundering Unit of Jamaica’s Financial Services Commission, where she contributed to regulatory compliance and financial oversight initiatives.

Beyond her judicial responsibilities, Ms. Brown has distinguished herself through active service in Rotary International, contributing to initiatives within Jamaica District 7020 and Belize District 4250. She has experience in tutoring and education, demonstrating a strong dedication to youth development, community engagement, and lifelong learning. She is a recipient of the Women in Law Enforcement Award at the 5th Annual Champions of Change Awards 2025 and possesses specialized professional training in court-annexed mediation, judicial ethics, corporate governance, intellectual property law, and anti-money laundering.

As a judicial officer, Her Worship is dedicated to upholding the rule of law through the fair, impartial, and efficient administration of justice in Belize. Her work is guided by the core values of integrity, professionalism, accountability, and continuous learning.

Nacionalidad: Beliceña

Academic History

• St. John’s Junior College – 2003-2005 – Associate Degree/li>
• University of the West Indies – 2014-2017 – Bachelor of Laws
• Norman Manley Law School – 2017-2019 – Legal Education Certificate

Historial laboral

• Magistrate, Belize Family Court
• Secretary, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions

Ms. Rochelle Duncan is a Magistrate of the Family Court with extensive experience in legal research, advocacy, and litigation management across both civil and criminal jurisdictions.

Prior to her appointment to the bench, she served as Crown Counsel at the Attorney General’s Chambers in Jamaica, where she represented the Government of Jamaica in the Court of Appeal, Supreme Court, and Parish Courts. In that role, she conducted complex legal research, initiated and defended civil proceedings on behalf of government ministries and agencies, and participated in mediation and settlement negotiations. Her work involved advising on matters of public law, litigation strategy, and evidence evaluation.

Prior to this, she practiced at the private bar in St. Kitts and Nevis, where she managed litigation matters, drafted legal submissions, advised clients, and prepared evidentiary materials for court proceedings.

Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to justice, the rule of law, and the protection of vulnerable persons. Her work has also extended beyond the courtroom through advocacy initiatives addressing domestic violence, human trafficking, and support for women and children.

As a Magistrate of the Family Court, she brings a thoughtful and principled approach to adjudication, guided by a commitment to fairness, careful legal reasoning, and the welfare of families and children who come before the court.

Her Worship Danae Grant Smalling
Magistrate, Family Court Belize Judicial District

Professional Profile

Magistrate Danae Grant Smalling serves within the Belize Magistracy, bringing extensive local legal experience and a steadfast commitment to public service. She holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of the West Indies (2009) and a Legal Education Certificate from Norman Manley Law School (2011) and is admitted to the Bar of Attorneys in Belize.

Judicial Experience and Career Milestones

Magistrate Danae Grant Smalling began her legal career in Belize as a Magistrate when she was elevated to the bench in 2011 and continues to work diligently to inform, protect, and promote justice across Belize.

Jana L. Peccoo currently serves as a Magistrate in Belize and is an accomplished attorney-at-law with a strong foundation in statutory interpretation, legal research, and regulatory analysis. She holds a Certificate of Legal Education from the Norman Manley Law School, a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, and a Bachelor of Science in Political Science (major) and International Relations (minor) from the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus. She is admitted to practice and is a member of the Jamaica Bar Association.

Prior to her appointment to the bench, Jana served as In-House Counsel within a leading professional services firm, where she developed specialized expertise in tax law, including the interpretation of the Income Tax Act and General Consumption Tax Act. She prepared detailed legal opinions, initiated proceedings, and advanced structured legal arguments in complex matters, demonstrating strong analytical and advocacy skills.

Her professional experience encompasses tax, employment, and immigration law. She is widely regarded for her attention to detail and unwavering commitment to fairness. As a Magistrate, she is dedicated to upholding the rule of law, ensuring procedural integrity, and delivering consistent and impartial judicial decisions.

Her Worship Adele Acosta, LL.B. Hons, LEC
Magistrate, Toledo Judicial District, Family Court, Punta Gorda.

Magistrate Acosta serves within the Belize Magistracy, bringing extensive regional legal experience and a steadfast commitment to public service. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.(Hons)) from the University of London and a Legal Education Certificate (LEC) from Hugh Wooding Law School. Magistrate Acosta was admitted to the Bar of Attorneys in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in 2015.

Magistrate Acosta began her legal career as a Defence Attorney, in the areas of Criminal, Civil and Family Law before transitioning to the Belize Magistracy Department, where she was promoted to the rank of Magistrate in 2025.

Highly accomplished beyond the courtroom, she possesses specialized professional training in Alternative Dispute Resolution, Mediation and Negotiation.

Magistrate Acosta continues to work diligently to inform, protect, and promote justice across Belize.

His Worship Neeshad Justin Mohammed LL.B (Hons) LEC

Magistrate, Belize Judicial District

Magistrate Mohammed serves within the Magistracy, bringing considerable regional legal experience in both private practice and the public service. He is the holder of a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) degree from the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus and a Legal Education Certificate from the Hugh Wooding Law School, and was first admitted to practise at the Bar of Trinidad and Tobago.

Magistrate Mohammed began his legal career as an Associate Attorney-at-Law with the prestigious Litigation set of Harrikissoon and Company, under the guidance of Mr. Kemrajh Harrikissoon SC. In this role, Magistrate Mohammed’s practice was heavily focused on Civil, Family, Corporate, and Industrial law matters and has appeared and advocated in every level of the Judiciary of Trinidad and Tobago.