The Bahama Journal has learnt that the new Chief Magistrate is going to be Guillemina Archer.

Reliable sources informed the Journal that Ms. Archer is “the favorite” to take over the post once Roger Gomez resigns.

No word yet on who will assume Carolita Bethel’s post as deputy chief magistrate.

Two weeks ago, Attorney General Allyson Maynard-Gibson told the Journal that Mr.Gomez and Mrs. Bethel would be appointed as justices of the Supreme Court.

They will be officially sworn into that post on Friday.

During the 2013-2014 Budget debate, Minister of State for Legal Affairs, Damian Gomez spoke about the appointment of new judges noting that he doubted the appointments would put a dent in the backlog of criminal cases.

Mr. Gomez says over the last year, criminal courts have heard 89 trials– something he said is “unacceptable”.

Mrs. Maynard-Gibson, in her contribution to the budget debate last week spoke about 10 criminal courts running at the same time.

She said the government remains committed to the fight against crime and as a result will do all it can to ensure that resources – human and otherwise – are in place.

The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. at Government House.