Chief Justice Dame Janice Pereira had strong words for the attorneys and judges gathered at the High Court on Thursday morning for a special sitting to mark the start of the 2015-2016 law year.
Addressing nine member states and territories of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States from Grenada via simulcast, Dame Janice said the legal profession was once considered a noble occupation, but it has come under “great scrutiny” in recent years.
Disbarments and suspensions of attorneys have become too common, she said, and she added that some lawyers have developed a reputation as untrustworthy individuals driven by greed.
In the upcoming law year, Dame Janice urged those with legal careers to work to restore the dignity of the profession.
She then applauded those who have given exemplary performances over the last year. The ceremony, which was attended by Premier Dr. Orlando Smith and Governor John Duncan, concluded with outdoor refreshments.
Jacqueline Daley, the new president of the BVI Bar Association, addressed Ms. Pereira’s remarks in a Friday press release.
“The chief justice indicated in her address at the opening of the new law year that in a few instances there are lawyers from various OECS member states that are not performing their role with the dignity and honesty befitting of the legal profession,” she stated. “Fortunately, members of the BVI Bar routinely display the highest ethical standards and have easily avoided many of the negative behaviours mentioned by the chief justice.”
See the Sept. 24, 2015 edition for full coverage.
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