A Virgin Gorda native has been appointed to serve as the island’s magistrate.
Hakim Creque, who Governor Daniel Pruce appointed effective March 5, will sit full-time on the sister island as well as attending to certain matters on Tortola, government announced March 6.
In his new position, he will hear and pass rulings in civil, criminal and quasi-criminal matters filed in the Magistrates’ Court and otherwise oversee the court’s operations.
Sharleen DaBreo-Lettsome, permanent secretary in the Office of the Deputy Governor, stressed the importance of having a full-time magistrate on the sister island.
“As we work to fulfil the vision for an advanced court system in the territory, a key component is ensuring that we are adequately staffed to meet the growing needs of those we serve,” she said. “Mr. Creque’s appointment to sit as magistrate on Virgin Gorda is a representation of our commitment to this advancement, and his expertise is sure to be an added benefit to the magistracy.”
Mr. Creque completed his Bar Professional Training Course in 2014 at the University of Law in England — where he also earned a Bachelor of Laws — and subsequently was admitted as a barrister to the Bar of England and Wales in July 2014 by the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn, according to government.
He also earned a Master of Law in corporate and commercial law from Queen Mary University of London in 2019, and he is a graduate of H. Lavity Stoutt Community College and the University of Central Florida.
The Magistrates’ Court mainly hears criminal matters with summary jurisdiction, minor civil claims, and certain family law matters.
The magistrate also has limited jurisdiction in relation to salvage and wrecks, according to government.