Tradition and Ceremony Usher In Legal Year

The legal community gathered in Belize City this morning to officially usher in the 2026 High Court Legal Year, an annual tradition that mixes ceremony, reflection, and a renewed pledge to uphold justice. As always, the day began with a church service, setting a solemn tone before the customary procession. The Guard of Honor and the Belize Defense Force Band led the way, signaling the formal start of the new judicial calendar. Paul Lopez was on the ground for the opening ceremony. He filed the following report.

 

Paul Lopez, Reporting

The 2026 legal year officially opened this morning with a church service at Saint John’s Cathedral. After the mass, the ceremonial procession made its way from the church down Regent Street, wrapping up right in front of the High Court. Leading the procession was Chief Justice Louise Blenman, flanked by Commissioner of Police Dr. Richard Rosado, setting a dignified tone as the legal year officially got underway. After the service and procession, lawyers and judges gathered in the courtroom where Chief Justice Blenman delivered her address. She highlighted the successes of the 2025 legal year and outlined plans to keep transforming the judiciary, noting major gains in the administration of criminal justice.

 

Chief Justice Louise Blenman

“In the criminal division our focus and collaborative approach have produced transformative results in the administration of criminal justice. I am pleased to report that last year we continued to achieve exceptional success in advancing our criminal justice reform initiatives. Longstanding backlogs are behind us. Case disposition rates have improved and longstanding dissonance has been significantly mitigated among justice sector stakeholders.”
 

In his remarks, Attorney General Anthony Sylvestre commended the High Court for its work over the past year, acknowledging the significant case reductions and the judiciary’s strides toward modernization. He restated the government’s promise to keep investing in infrastructure, training, and staff for the judiciary.

 

Anthony Sylvestre, Attorney General

“So Madam Chief Justice there is much we in Belize are to be proud of and wit the vigilance of the judiciary and stakeholders much more are to be achieved with this new legal year. All these gains could not have been achieved without you Madam Justice, the Senior Court, the Members of the Bar, the DPP Office and so many others who make up the apparatus of Belize’s legal system and for this the government of Belize expresses its debt of gratitude.”

President of the Bar Association, William Lindo Jr., echoed support for the judiciary’s direction. Lindo pointed to better court efficiency, quicker resolution of cases, and wider use of court‑connected mediation.

 

William Lindo, President, Bar Association of Belize

“We have entered an era where technology is no longer optional. It is foundational. We cannot sit idly by. Courts and legal system  globally have embraced digital transformation in an effort to complement and  enhance the delivery of justice, but not meant to replace the human element. Belize cannot afford to be left behind, especially with the gains we have made so far. E-filing, digitalization of court records, ready access to judgement and resources are no longer convenience, they are necessities which are integral to transparency, and efficiency in the operation of our justice system.”

 

As Belize enters a new legal year, the message from the bench, bar, and government is unified. The justice system is evolving, and the work continues to make it stronger and more responsive to the needs of the Belizean people. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.