Patrice Roberts called to the Bar

The latest addition to the roll of barristers in this country is Patrice Agatha Roberts-Samuel, who was on Friday, 1st February, presented to the Bar by Queens Counsel Carlyle Dougan.{{more}}

Dougan, in his presentation, had high praise for Roberts, who he described as a very distinguished and remarkable young lady who worked in various Government Departments, such as the Customs, the Ministry of Finance and the Labour Department, and at the pinnacle of her career has chosen the profession of Law.

Minister with responsibility for Labour Rene Baptiste also endorsed and supported Roberts’ admission to the Bar. She acknowledged Roberts as having the most intimate knowledge of the Labour Laws and praised her for working on some of the biggest labour matters in this country, including the industrial unrest at the First Caribbean International Bank and Vinlec.

Lawyers Dr Linton Lewis and Stalkey John also joined in giving their support to Roberts’ application.

High Court Judge Frederick Bruce Lyle described Roberts as a distinguished civil servant and a well-rounded person and recognised the fact that she has been the Labour Commissioner for the past five years. He said he is very heartened at the step Roberts took, as not very many persons see the need to pursue a career after retirement. He encouraged other civil servants not to allow the fact that they are going to retire to make them think it is the end of the world.

The judge told Roberts, “You are no empty barrel, to have obtained 2nd class Honours LLB. You are a role model for other civil servants and other young people to follow.”

The new Barrister-at-Law Patrice Roberts-Samuel thanked Justice Bruce Lyle for hearing her petition for her admission to the Bar. “Today is a day that I dreamt about for a very long time, and I am extremely overwhelmed and proud to stand here before you this morning to be admitted to the Bar of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. My years of hard work and dedication have finally paid off.”

She thanked his Lordship for his sentiments and words of caution and assured him that they would help in guiding her in her career as a Barrister.

“I stand committed to the principles of justice and it is my aspiration and desire to do everything in my power with the help of the Lord to uphold the law, to serve this noble profession with humility and pride and ensure that everyone receives the justice that they so deserve, regardless of race, colour or creed.”

Roberts thanked the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines for granting her study leave, but gave her greatest thanks to God.