Cop called to the Bar

Friends and well-wishers poured out congratulations to police officer, Collin John, last week as he added another accolade to his name. The Station Sergeant in the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force was called to the Bar as a Barrister and Solicitor on Thursday, September 23, 2010 at the High Court.{{more}}

John, addressing the gathering, expressed thanks to his friends and family members who helped him along his journey, adding that his journey was built on the five P’s- “Persistent Prayer Plus Proper Preparation”.

The son of Sylvester Bacchus John and Carmie Burkley, John graduated from the University of Wales in February 2009 with a Second Class Division 1 degree in Law. He was also called to the Bar in England on July 27, 2010. His qualifications include an A’level pass in Law and a post graduate Law Degree from the Holborn College.

Explaining that his journey had its own ups and downs, as he often had to juggle school with work and family, John explained that his determination to succeed is what pushed him on. “I knew what I wanted and I made sure I was successful and I thank God for that,” he said.

Described as a humble, ambitious and determined man, John’s many contributions to the police force where listed by Director of Public Prosecutions, Collin Williams, during his presentation to Justice Frederick Bruce Lyle on John’s behalf. John is regarded as being instrumental in setting up the Police cooperative, and has also been rotated around the police force since he first joined the force in 1988.

Also making remarks on John’s behalf, lawyer Cecil Blazer Williams described John as a disciplined, ambitious and humble individual. Williams, who taught John Law at A’level evening classes, described John as a hard working student who went the extra mile to complete assignments.

“Collin John will make a very good lawyer. He will perform in such a way as we will indeed be proud of him as a policeman and a lawyer,” Williams said.

Justice Bruce Lyle advised John to continue to advance himself in the field of Law, encouraging him to pursue his masters and higher degrees. He further advised John to honour his profession and to follow the codes and ethics outlined by the OECS Supreme Court in respect of Lawyers. He further admonished John that the only person that can take away his degree or his accolades is himself, by unruly behaviour in his profession.

John, outlining his expectations from his new career, said that he intends to draw from the experiences and knowledge of his learned colleagues. “I do not expect perfection, but I expect that the positives will be plenty and the negatives will be nill,” John said.

John celebrated his day with family, friends, members of the legal fraternity and members the police force including Deputy Commissioner of Police Bertie Pompey. (OS)