OCCBA extends best wishes for 2020 to all lawyers, judicial officers and other stakeholders in the legal system.
2019 reflected much progress in OCCBA’s continued drive to enhance professional development; strengthen its institutional structures; and generally mobilize lawyers to build a stronger and more united Caribbean, with improved service to the public and greater access to justice.
Highlights of the year included the holding of two very successful law conferences in Miami and Trinidad (June & November 2019); launching of an OCCBA Website and OCCBA Journal; honouring of three outstanding legal luminaries –Madame Justice Desiree Bernard, Dr Lloyd Barnett and Mr Hendrickson Seunath SC – for their contribution to the growth and development of OCCBA over the years; launching of an OCCBA Secretariat at the headquarters of the Law Association of Trinidad & Tobago (LATT); and the mobilizing of funds to assist the Bahamas following the destruction and havoc of Hurricane Dorian in September.
CCJ Judges & former ABA President
OCCBA has attracted high quality speakers for its two law conferences, including Justice Adrian Saunders President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) and Justice Peter Jamadar, most recently appointed Judge of the CCJ – key presenters at the June and November conferences respectively. We look forward to future collaboration with the CCJ for our continuing professional development programmes.
Another highlight of 2019 was the visit of Ms Paulette Brown, the first woman of colour to become President of the American Bar Association (ABA) – in its 137 year history – to be the keynote speaker at our November 2019 Law Conference in the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago. Ms Brown, who served as ABA President from 2015-2016, was also a special guest at our council meeting in Trinidad.
OCCBA Journal
We have maintained the bi-annual schedule of the OCCBA Journal, with June & November editions, thanks to the diligent and hard-working editorial team led by Mrs Gabrielle Warren of Jamaica. The OCCBA Journal seeks to encourage more colleagues to write and to engage in critical analysis of legal issues, providing different perspectives on the law.
More involvement in CLA
We once again congratulate the indefatigable Dr Peter Maynard – a former President of OCCBA – on his election as Vice-President of the Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA), with responsibility for the Americas, at its biennial meeting in April 2019 in Zambia. At that meeting the Caribbean fielded its largest delegation ever, thanks to the untiring efforts of former CLA President Santhan Krishnan to strengthen relations with Bar Associations in the Caribbean during his tenure in office(2017-’19). Several Caribbean Bar leaders also made very well-received presentations at the CLA conference.
We were all proud to receive the news that the CLA will be holding its next biennial meeting inNassau,Bahamas in September 2021 in what will likely be the largest gathering of lawyers ever in the Caribbean.
Nominees on RJLSC
OCCBA & the OECS Bar jointly nominate two persons to sit on the Regional and Judicial Services Commission (RJLSC) of the CCJ. In August 2019 we jointly nominated Ms E.Ann Henry QC to replace Dr Peter Maynard who had served the maximum two three-year terms. Ms Henry has diligently served the legal profession in many capacities including President of the Antigua & Barbuda Bar Association, Vice President of the OECS Bar Association, and Chairman of the Council of Legal Education.
In June 2019 Delano Bart QC, the other joint nominee, was nominated to serve a second three-year term on the RJLSC.
Passing of Lady Walrond QC
Despite the successes, the year ended on a very sad note for the legal fraternity in the Caribbean with the tragic passing of Beverley Lady Walrond QC on December 8th, following a vehicular accident in Miami days before. Lady Walrond, a member of the RJLSC at the time of her passing, was a tower of strength and an inspiration to all during her 49 years at the Bar. She was a former President of the Barbados Bar Association. In a statement released shortly after her untimely passing, OCCBA paid fitting tribute to Lady Walrond who was laid to rest in Barbados on December 30th. 2019.
Building on achievements
2020 looks promising for OCCBA. We will continue to build on the achievements of 2019. High on the agenda will be continuing professional development, the OCCBA Membership Drive with an accompanying package of benefits to facilitate personal and professional development, and the enhancement of our Website to embrace the work and activities of all constituent bar associations.
We will also work closely with both the Canadian-funded IMPACT JUSTICE and JURIST projects to ensure implementation of the many programmes designed to enhance the administration of justice, to make courts’ more user friendly, to demystify laws, and to promote community mediation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution.
OCCBA Law Summit 2020
Already we have set the dates for our next OCCBA Law Summit and Biennial meeting to be held in Miami on June 12th& 13th, 2020, for which we expect a huge turn out of lawyers. The next issue of the OCCBA Journal is also in June 2020. You are invited to start writing your articles now.
In 2019, we were able to achieve a lot with little resources thanks to a cohesive and committed executive coupled with the critical support of constituent Bars and individual members. We thank all who made the year a huge success.
OCCBA can only be as strong as we make it. Let’s strive in 2020 to surpass the successes of prior years. Wishing you all a happy, healthy and productive 2020. Remember to save the dates June 12th& 13th, 2020.
Ruggles Ferguson
President
January 2nd, 2020