Association of Defence Attorneys Officially Registered in Belize

The Association of Defence Attorneys has officially registered as a professional organisation dedicated to defending human rights and enhancing legal practices. In an official statement, the Association declared it is “dedicated to the promotion and protection of human rights, the Belize Constitution, and the enhancement of legal defence practices within the country.”

In its statement, the Association confirmed the election of its first Executive Committee, comprising of:

• President: Dickie Bradley
• Vice President: Audrey Matura
• Secretary: Oj Elrington
• Treasurer: John Nembhard
• Membership Director: Lynden Jones
• Education Director: Leeroy Banner
• Communications Director: Rachel Montejo
• Ethics Director: Emerita Anderson
• Pro Bono Director: Dale Cayetano
• Public Policy Director: Arthur Saldivar
• Immediate Past President: Michelle Trapp

The formation of the association in March 2020 was aimed at addressing these critical issues. Attorney Dickie Bradley emphasised back then the need for lawyers to advocate for the rights of the poorer population in Belize. “Police officers are in fact peace officers. They are there to protect us. They are not there to chance us and take advantage of us,” he stated. 

The Association of Defence Attorneys stands ready to promote human rights, provide continuing legal education, advocate for fair legal practices, support legal aid services, and foster ethical standards among attorneys.