Chief Justice Louise Esther Blenman Addresses Legal Conference on Criminal Justice Reform

Chief Justice Louise Esther Blenman delivered a keynote speech at the inaugural Legal Conference on Criminal Justice Reform. Her address, titled “Advancing the Needham’s Point Declaration: Breaking through the Barriers,” centred on advancing the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). In a press release issued on July 10, the Senior Courts of Belize highlighted that the ongoing conference has engaged in comprehensive discussions and presentations concerning criminal justice reform, “focusing on enhancing the rule of law and ensuring justice is served promptly and fairly.”

Hosted in Georgetown, Guyana, the two-day conference convened over 300 attendees from across the Caribbean, including distinguished figures such as the President of Guyana, His Excellency, Dr. Irfaan Ali, and various judicial heads and legal professionals. The conference focused on advancing collaboration and exchanging best practices among Caribbean legal experts, aligning with the goals of the Needham’s Point Declaration.

The Chief Justice’s keynote address spotlighted Belize’s transformative efforts in criminal justice reform, influenced by the CCJ. Initiatives such as the establishment of the Criminal Justice Board and Sentencing Guidelines Committees were highlighted as pivotal in alleviating case backlogs and enhancing efficiency within Belize’s judicial system.