After six years of distinguished service marked by institutional reform, judicial modernisation, and steadfast leadership, Chief Justice of Turks and Caicos Islands, Her Ladyship Mabel Agyemang, has announced that she will demit office at the end of March, 2026.
Her Ladyship made the announcement during the ceremonial opening of the Legal Year on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, an occasion that also served as a moment of reflection on a tenure widely regarded as one of the most impactful and transformative in the recent history of the TCI Judiciary
Appointed Chief Justice on April 1, 2020, by former Governor Nigel Dakin, Her Ladyship Agyemang assumed office at a time of extraordinary challenge. The global COVID-19 pandemic was unfolding, courts across the region were grappling with closures, and public confidence in justice systems worldwide was being tested. Her calm, reform-minded leadership during this period quickly set the tone for what would become a transformative era for the judiciary
Among the most notable hallmarks of her tenure was a sustained drive to modernize the administration of justice. Under her leadership, the courts expanded the use of digital case management systems, encouraged virtual and hybrid hearings, and streamlined long-standing procedural bottlenecks that had contributed to case backlogs. These changes significantly improved access to justice, particularly for litigants and attorneys spread across the islands.
Justice Agyemang also placed strong emphasis on judicial independence and professional development. She championed continuing legal education for judges and magistrates, strengthened ethical standards, and fostered a culture of accountability and efficiency within the court system. Her Ladyship was also widely praised for encouraging a more transparent, service-oriented court culture.
Another key aspect of her reform agenda focused on improving the pace and quality of criminal justice. During her tenure, concerted efforts were made to reduce delays in criminal trials, enhance coordination between the courts and other justice stakeholders, and ensure that constitutional rights were respected while maintaining public safety. These efforts contributed to a more responsive and credible justice system at a time when public scrutiny was high.
Her Ladyship’s international experience greatly informed her approach. A native of Ghana, Chief Justice Agyemang brought to Turks and Caicos Islands a wealth of judicial knowledge gained from serving as a superior court judge in three other Commonwealth jurisdictions, as well as her work at the Court of Appeal in Ghana before her appointment to the TCI bench
This comparative perspective allowed her to introduce best practices while remaining sensitive to the unique social and legal context of TCI.
Reappointed in 2023 for a second three-year term, Chief Justice Agyemang’s continued leadership ensured continuity in reform and stability within the Judiciary. By the time she leaves office in 2026, she will have presided over one of the longest and most consequential chief justiceships in recent TCI history.
As the Turks and Caicos Islands prepares for a transition in judicial leadership, legal professionals and public officials alike are reflecting on a legacy defined by resilience, reform, and an robust commitment to upholding the rule of law.
Chief Justice Mabel Agyemang’s contribution to the administration of justice in the TCI will endure well beyond her final day on the bench.
Culled from The Sun newspaper of Turks and Caicos
