The Organization of Commonwealth Caribbean Bar Associations (OCCBA) has received with profound sadness news of the passing of Beverley Lady Walrond QC on December 8th 2019 three days after sustaining serious injuries in a motor vehicle accident in Florida, United States.
Lady Waldron, a former President of the Barbados Bar Association and regionally respected Attorney, exemplifies a life of distinguished service. Admitted to the Bar of Barbados in 1974 and elevated to Queens Counsel in 1995, she has worked with the State (Attorney-General’s Chambers), acted as a High Court Judge, served as a Mediator, operated her own private practice, and gave yeoman voluntary service on several committees. She has also practiced in Jamaica and St Lucia.
Lady Waldron has demonstrated consistent commitment to the development of the legal profession, not just in Barbados, but throughout the Caribbean. For several years, she served on the regional Council of Legal Education (CLE) the body responsible for the three law schools in the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica(Norman Manley), and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. Up to her untimely passing, she also served as a member of the Regional and Judicial Legal Services Commission (RJLSC) of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), the body responsible for the appointment of judges and other key officials of the CCJ and for ensuring the general independence and proper functioning of the court.
Never afraid to speak out on issues, Lady Walrond was passionate, positive and progressive in her approach -identifying problems, advancing solutions and agitating for implementation. She will especially be remembered as a steadfast family and child law advocate and as a strong proponent of the Family Court now being set up in Barbados.
A passionate advocate for regional integration, Lady Walrond understood the importance of regional institutions like OCCBA to unify lawyers, strengthen local Bar associations, promote the administration of justice, preserve the rule of law and defend the independence of the judiciary. Though entering the profession over 45 years ago at a time when women were in the minority, she stood out in a male dominated environment with her undaunted spirit, outspoken disposition and strong leadership qualities, coupled with her warm and engaging personality and her accessibility to colleagues.
The Caribbean has lost not just a stalwart lawyer and visionary but also a wonderful human being.
OCCBA extends deepest condolences in particular to her husband Sir Errol Mickey Walrond – an acclaimed surgeon and Professor Emeritus of the University of the West Indies – her children, and the Barbados Bar Association which she served diligently and selflessly for so many years. We also wish Sir Errol, who was also injured in the same accident, a speedy and complete recovery.
OCCBA salutes Lady Walrond for her sterling contribution to the legal profession. Though physically gone, the spirit and memory of this legal icon will continue to live on!