Magistrate Court Gets a Tech Boost to Clear Case Backlog

Belize’s Magistrate Court is getting a digital makeover to help tackle its growing backlog of cases. On Friday, the court announced that it received new computers, printers, and other essential technology to assist in streamlining its case management system and reduce delays that have long affected justice. 

The upgrade is valued at USD 35,000 (BZD 70,000) and is part of the European Union-funded PACE Justice Project, supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

During a handover ceremony, Michael Lund, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP, and Amilin Mendez, UNDP’s Team Lead for Inclusive Growth, Digitisation, and Governance, presented the equipment to Chief Magistrate Jayani Wegadapola. 

“The provision of ICT equipment is a clear example of how targeted interventions can improve the functioning of public institutions, contribute to good governance, and support the modernisation and digitisation of magistrate courts across the country,” the UNDP said in a statement.