Chief Justice Mabel Agyemang to retire after 6 years of judicial reforms in Turks and Caicos

Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Mabel Agyemang, will retire from office at the end of March 2026, bringing to a close six years of service widely regarded as a period of deep institutional change and judicial reform.

She disclosed her decision at the ceremonial opening of the 2026 Legal Year, where attention turned from tradition to reflection on the legacy of her leadership within the judiciary.

Chief Justice Agyemang was appointed on April 1, 2020, by then-Governor Nigel Dakin, stepping into the role at a moment of global uncertainty.

The COVID-19 pandemic was disrupting court systems worldwide, forcing judiciaries to rethink how justice could be delivered amid restrictions and public anxiety. In the Turks and Caicos Islands, her steady and reform-driven approach guided the courts through the crisis and beyond.

Throughout her tenure, she prioritised structural improvements aimed at making justice more efficient and accessible. The judiciary adopted expanded digital case-tracking systems, introduced virtual and hybrid court sessions, and addressed procedural delays that had slowed the administration of justice. These measures eased case congestion and improved service delivery across the islands.

Beyond infrastructure and systems, Justice Agyemang focused on strengthening judicial standards and independence. She promoted continuous training for judges and magistrates, reinforced ethical compliance, and encouraged professionalism and accountability at all levels of the court system. These efforts contributed to a more transparent and service-oriented judiciary.

Criminal justice reform also featured prominently during her time in office. Targeted interventions were implemented to shorten trial timelines, improve coordination among justice institutions, and balance constitutional protections with public safety considerations. The result was a more responsive criminal justice system at a time when public confidence was under pressure.

A Ghanaian by birth, Justice Agyemang brought extensive international experience to the role, having served as a superior court judge in three Commonwealth jurisdictions and previously on Ghana’s Court of Appeal. This background informed her pragmatic approach to reform and judicial administration.

As she prepares to step down, Justice Agyemang leaves a judiciary reshaped by modernisation, strengthened governance, and a renewed commitment to access to justice—marking an enduring chapter in the history of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ legal system.

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