Pollster Weighs in on Legal Troubles Facing Two Top Members of the Judiciary

Barbados-based Political Commentator Peter Wickham said it is still too early, to say what likely impact the suspension of Chief Magistrate Joanne Walsh will have on the judiciary.

The same can be said of the former Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Anthony Armstrong who is facing legal issues in his native Jamaica linked to the sale of three properties without the consent of his client, according to him

Walsh was on Thursday suspended by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission (JLSC) effected July 20 until further notice.

Her suspension relates to 10 disciplinary charges that were filed by the said commission last week.

Wickham said if the legal officers are found liable it will affect how the public views the judiciary.

“If they are exonerated one way or the other it is a situation where you cannot pre-judge the outcome and I think unfortunately we have to wait and see the outcome. But, unfortunately, if either of the indictments is successful then it would be difficult to see how the public’s perception will not be negative and how either of them could perform in a similar capacity. If they are fully exonerated then business continues,” Wickham said.

The charges against Walsh have not been disclosed, however, it is reportedly linked to her professional conduct on the job.

Walsh’s suspension is been viewed as a significant event within the judiciary.

She intends to defend her case and has retained the services of Attorneys Kenny Kentish and Wendel Robinson.

Armstrong last year received the Cabinet’s approval for early retirement, following charges of misconduct leveled in his native Jamaica.