Former Chief Magistrate Joanne Walsh has re-entered government service at the Department of Immigration, less than three years after being found guilty on fifteen disciplinary charges — a development that has not been publicly announced by the administration.
According to Antigua.news, an internal memorandum dated May 14 places Walsh in the role of General Consultant, with direct oversight tied to the department's Intel and Prosecution Unit. The move has been framed internally as part of efforts to strengthen enforcement operations.
Walsh served as Chief Magistrate for twelve years before her tenure ended abruptly and controversially in the summer of 2023, when the Judicial and Legal Services Commission suspended her amid a growing disciplinary case.
What began as ten charges expanded significantly as proceedings advanced. By the time the hearing concluded in early September of that year, five additional counts had been added, bringing the total to fifteen disciplinary charges.
The charges were serious in nature, ranging from the alleged failure to remit funds to the government treasury, to the destruction of official documents, magistrates' notes, and government property.
Walsh was found guilty on all fifteen counts.
Following the conclusion of the case, Walsh reportedly submitted a retirement letter, which the government is said to have accepted. Her appointment to the Immigration Department now marks her return to public service.
