Campbell: Take the Bar seriously

What was supposed to be a grand celebration for the 40th Anniversary of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court saw only a small turnout of members of the legal fraternity to partake in the commemoration of the milestone.

At the special sitting at the High Court on Tuesday, nearly half the seats were left empty as if a whirlwind had passed through the building.{{more}}

Lawyer Parnell Campbell QC was highly disgusted by the absence by some members of the Bar. “Look at the turnout this morning, we have not shown ourselves as people who are fond of such events,” Campbell said. He noted that there are more people sitting on the legal bench, but for some reason were not present at the special sitting. Campbell further added that the poor showing bore testimony to some of the main reasons that there are so many problems facing the court from time to time.

Campbell said that as a Caribbean people we must remove ourselves from the narrow-minded disposition of always complaining. “Caribbean people are great complainers, we seem to be in love with complaining, the problem starts with us.” Campbell even asked his fellow attorneys, “Who can take the Bar seriously if we continue with this kind of showing.”

Justice Frederick Bruce-Lyle applauded Campbell for tackling some of the burning issues that needed to be addressed in the court. Justice Bruce-Lyle warned members of the Bar that if they do not take stock of themselves that only disaster would follow. He urged the attorneys to stop looking at every situation with political “blinkers” because that is what is killing the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Justice Bruce-Lyle was also of the opinion that for the 40 years the Supreme Court had been in existence, much more could have been done. Justice Bruce-Lyle noted that it seems to be the norm that when positive things are being done in this country, it goes unheard of, while negativity dominates the masses. “This is what is pulling down our country,” said Lyle.

On the lighter side of things, Justice Bruce-Lyle took the opportunity to congratulate those who have served in the Supreme Court for the past 40 years and made a suggestion that their portraits be placed on the walls of the court for recognition. He said that everyone should be proud of such an achievement and he looks forward to celebrating many more years.

Also addressing the occasion by webcast was Acting Chief Justice Brian Alleyne SC. Attorney General Judith Jones Morgan also spoke at the celebration, along with other members of the Bar.