Alifah Elrington Steps Down as Head of Prosecution Branch, Returns to Private Practice

Alifah Elrington is stepping down from her role as head of the Prosecution Branch at the end of July. Elrington has been with the Government of Belize for the past six years. This morning, we caught up with her at the Belize City Magistrate’s Court, where she was handling an old case involving a Mexican national and four others, including a female police officer, charged with guns and ammunition after a drug bust in Orange Walk. Elrington confirmed that she had tendered her resignation. She explained that she was appointed as a Senior Crown Counsel with responsibility for the Prosecution Branch six years ago. Now, she’s returning to private practice as an attorney. Elrington mentioned that she had over seventy days of leave outstanding at the end of December 2024, which is why she’s taking immediate leave. During her tenure, Elrington prosecuted many high-profile cases, including the case against Elmer Nah, his wife Epifania Caliz, and his brother-in-law Manuel Caliz, which ended in acquittal. She also handled several cases against police officers and numerous sex crime cases in recent years. Elrington was the prosecutor in the case against former police officer Darrel “Tutsi” Usher, son of Minister Gilroy Usher Jr., who was acquitted of firearm and ammunition charges on April 23, 2024. Her most recent case involved charges being withdrawn against COMPOL Williams’ brother, Arthur Roy Williams. Elrington also prosecuted former police officer Dean Bellini, who was convicted and sentenced to three years in 2023 by then Chief Magistrate Sharon Fraser for possession of controlled drugs with intent to supply marijuana, following an Orange Walk bust.