Another young barrister has pledged to help raise the standard of the legal profession here.

On Friday, November 7, 2008, at the High Court, Koezel Creese was admitted to practice Law in the state of St Vincent and the Grenadines.{{more}} The young attorney was presented to the Bar by attorney Jaundy Martin. Her call was seconded by attorney Ronald Marks.

Creese embarked upon her legal education in 2003 at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, and obtained the LLB in 2006 with second class honours. She then attended the Hugh Wooding Law School, where she was awarded the Legal Education Certificate and made the Principal’s Roll of Honour.

In her first official address to the Court filled with family members and friends, the soft-spoken Creese stated that being called to the Bar is a joyous occasion in her life. Following the lead of her classmates who were called to the Bar over the past three weeks, Creese declared her intention to make a change for the better in the fraternity that has been dragged through the dirt in recent times. “I took a look at the legal fraternity and realize that the nobility of the profession has in recent times come under much scrutiny. I believe that once we as Lawyers maintain the standard of the profession and do that which justice requires us to do, then and only then will we be able to rise above the criticisms with our heads held high,” Creese firmly stated. She said that it is imperative that Lawyers safeguard the reputation of the profession by staying true to the ethics of the profession.

“It’s my intention to be a building block in not only maintaining the standards of the legal profession here but improving those standards. This particular field calls for courage, and the courage of which I speak is the discovery that you may not win and trying when you know you can lose,” disclosed Creese.

The former Gomea Methodist School and St Joseph’s Convent Kingstown student attributed a huge portion of her success to her family, especially her parents, pastors Ezekiel Creese and Marcia Creese. The new barrister also thanked presiding Judge Frederick Bruce-Lyle for his words of advice and caution. She also thanked the management and staff at Marks, Martin and Associates for their support during her internship there.

Adding to her list of achievements, Creese was also granted a scholarship by the Organisation of American States (OAS) to study International Trade.

Offering a few words, attorney Marks said Creese has more than the academic qualifications, also demonstrating aptitude and displaying quality in her character that will benefit the Bar. Marks also described Creese as a hard worker and someone who is fit to take the Bar to the next level.

Justice Bruce-Lyle urged Creese to stay focused and help raise the standard of the profession. He also admonished her not to forget where she came from and what her parents did for her.

Creese is now attached to the Financial Intelligence Unit. Director of the FIU Grenville Williams and Director of Public Prosecutions Colin Williams also gave brief remarks at the calling. (KW)