Daughter of Governor General called to the Bar

A young attorney, who has been described as an inspiration and a person who possesses great work ethic, has been called to the Bar in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Kimberley Dougan, daughter of Governor General Dame Susan Dougan and Mr Hugh Dougan had her application to practice at the local Bar accepted at the High Court in Kingstown on Tuesday, December 12 before Justice Brian Cottle.

Lawyer Julian Jack described Kimberley as a fit and proper person to become a member at the bar in SVG. He shared that she pursued undergraduate studies at the University of the West of England (Bristol), then completed her studies at the BPP Law School.

Besides her “commendable educational background,” lawyer Sharda Bollers said that Dougan “has proven herself to be effective and has gone beyond the call of duty,” and has the tenacity to uphold the legal profession.

A dedicated worker Another attorney, Cerepha Harper-Joseph, with whom Kimberley worked, added that Kimberley “was and will continue to be a dedicated worker,” and it appeared that a “light” had gone out when Dougan left the Attorney General’s Chambers.

Harper-Joseph said the “light” that Dougan had was because she was a source of laughter for many of her colleagues. She also said Dougan was so dedicated and meticulous that when she left the AG’s Chambers, it took about five persons to do the work that she had done.

She added that Dougan is a “total inspiration” and that persons like her “are well needed in offices to create a balance in the workplace”. Harper-Joseph advised Dougan to “hold onto those around her, walk humble and seek justice.

Justice Cottle then gave the opportunity to anyone in the courtroom to speak on behalf of Dougan.

Veteran counsel Rene Baptiste said she met Dougan when she was going off to study, and the young woman impressed her as an individual who would add “freshness to the Bar” and maintain the nobility of the profession by the honour with which she carries herself as well as her personality in office.

She said that based on Dougan’s character, demeanour and attitude, she is “very happy to support her application”.

Dougan’s father Hugh also testified to her character, stating that he knew the great person that she would become since she was born, and that in her character lies a balance of both “no-nonsense” and “laughter”.

After her application to the bar had been accepted, Dougan thanked her loved ones and well wishers who were instrumental in her success.

Not without sacrifices “…My journey to this place that I now occupy was not without sacrifices. Being thousands of miles away from my family during my studies in the United Kingdom, having moments of uncertainty, even fear of failure with the enormity of the task of studying for long hours without sleep was not easy…however, throughout my studies, Almighty God in His infinite goodness provided me with guidance, the perseverance, protection and many blessings.”

Dougan has also been called to the Bar in the United Kingdom.