Queen’s Counsel disapprove of $10,000 Inner Bar application fee
Some members of the Inner Bar here have expressed disapproval of the $10,000 fee which must now be paid by persons applying to become one of Her Majestyâs Counsel.{{more}}
The Queenâs Counsel expressed their views during the recent call of Stanley John Q.C. to the Inner Bar.
According to a document âECSC QC Appointment Procedures,â which outlines a list of procedures for applicants who wish to be appointed as Queenâs Counsel, the application fee is $6,000, payable to the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court. On successful application, a further fee of $4,000 must be paid.
This procedure is in keeping with protocol that was established on November 26, 2010, while Sir Hugh Rawlins was the Chief Justice of the East Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC).
While giving remarks at special sitting held in Johnâs honour, Bertram Commissiong Q.C. voiced his disagreement with the introduction of the payment.
âBeing a Queenâs Counsel is a privilege bestowed on counsel who has excelled at the bar,â Commissiong said, adding that he would like to have the payment removed from the requirement.
âThat has been a deterrent for so many people who would like to apply for silk. I donât know whether the new Chief Justice is going to look into that. It is something that needs to be looked into,â Commissiong said.
Other members of the Inner Bar also shared Commissiongâs sentiments, with several noting that they were not required to make a payment upon their appointments as Queenâs Counsel.
The other Queenâs Counsel in SVG are Carlyle Dougan, Parnell Campbell and Andrew Cummings.(BK)