Mark DaCosta-The Alliance For Change (AFC) has raised serious concerns about the recent appointment process of Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman as Chief Magistrate, calling it an affair that undermines the dignity of the judiciary and raises questions about the transparency of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). In a statement released on July 16, 2026, the AFC expressed that announcing such a significant appointment via social media was “disrespectful” and “unprofessional,” reflecting a troubling disregard for public trust in the legal system.
The crux of the AFC’s statement highlights a disconcerting delay in the announcement of Latchman’s appointment, which was reportedly made on January 7, 2025. The public is right to inquire why an official announcement took more than a year to surface. The apparent inconsistency in the judicial leadership, where “Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty has been carrying out the duties of the Chief Magistrate,” has sparked justified frustration among citizens. Questions arise about the rationale behind having an acting Chief Magistrate when a permanent appointment had already been made.
While the AFC has expressed no doubts regarding the competence of Magistrate Latchman, their criticism centres on the process and timing of the announcement. The press statement notes, “Both Magistrates Latchman and McGusty deserve to be treated with the highest respect and decorum,” emphasising that it is essential for maintaining the integrity of the judiciary. The manner of the JSC’s communication reflects poorly not only on the commission itself but also has broader implications for public perception of our judicial system.
The AFC draws attention to recent controversies surrounding the appointments of the Chancellor and Chief Justice as indicative of deeper systemic issues impacting our country’s judicial credibility. These historical missteps, they claim, should have served as a poignant lesson on the necessity of professional conduct and respect in the treatment of judicial appointments. The loss of esteemed judges from our nation’s courtroom reflects a worrying trend that, if left unchecked, could continue to harm the judiciary’s stature and effectiveness.
