Deputy Chief Magistrate Ingrid Cooper-Brooks to be replaced by former CJ’s daughter

Deputy Chief Magistrate Ingrid Cooper-Brooks is set to conclude her service in the Magistrate’s Court after taking on the new role in January 2024.

She will be replaced by Viola Barnett-Major, who is the daughter of former Court of Appeal President and Chief Justice Sir Michael Barnett.

Throughout her brief time in the magistrate’s court, Cooper-Brooks was responsible for overseeing all new Civil matters, and her efforts significantly impacted the court’s operations, according to colleagues.

Cooper-Brooks’ appointment as Deputy Chief Magistrate followed an admirable legal career, including three years as Vice President of the Bahamas Industrial Tribunal and six years as Deputy Registrar in the Court of Appeal.

Barnett-Major will join the magistrates' court in an Acting capacity starting September 16.

She will oversee Court 11 and continue the work of the daytime Civil court until November.