Judge slams poor Law Term turnout

The poor turnout of Lawyers at the church service and special sitting of the High Court held to mark the official start of the law year will not improve the way Lawyers are viewed by the public.{{more}}

“The public already views us as being down there. We will sink further into the mud if we continue this way,” stated High Court Judge Frederick Bruce-Lyle as he addressed the special sitting on Monday. Justice Bruce-Lyle said that the start of the law term is one of the rare occasions when barristers get to assemble at one place and reflect on the past Law year.

A mere handful of lawyers also turned up at the Kingstown Methodist Church for the church service which was held prior to the special sitting. Members of the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force, however, showed up in their numbers, along with members of different organisations. Methodist Minister Reverend Victor H. Job delivered the sermon.

Bruce-Lyle said that the turnout did not speak well of the legal fraternity.

He commented that it was the worst he has seen during his eight-year tenure here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and said the

profession should be ashamed. “This is the time for the people to see us

and to show them that the Law courts still exist. This is a total no-no, and I am very disappointed,” said a dejected Bruce-Lyle.

The High Court judge hinted that part of the problem lies with the attitude of Lawyers. He said that in order for them to make any headway in delivering justice, a positive approach must be taken as the first step.

Other members of the bar echoed Bruce-Lyle comments, and Vice President of the Bar Association Duane Daniel apologized on behalf of his colleagues.

The service was held under the theme: “Honesty and Integrity in the Judicial System”. (KW)