Corporal of Police becomes Attorney-at-law

by Jada Chambers

After he completed his Bachelors of Law, earned his Legal Education Certificate, served in the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) for 20 years and the Magistrate’s Court for three, Devon Bute is now an attorney-at-law.

On Wednesday, November 6, 2024, Bute stood before Justice Rickie Burnett, at the High Court in Kingstown as he was called to the bar in SVG. Prior to this achievement, Counsel Bute joined the RSVGPF in 2003 at the age of 17. He trained at the Regional Police Training Centre in Barbados for six months and pursued Paralegal Studies through UWI Global. Bute then completed a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) at The University of the West Indies (UWI) Cave Hill campus in 2017.

He was assigned to the Magistrate’s Court in SVG in 2021 and enrolled at the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad and Tobago in September, 2022. Two years later, Counsel Bute earned his Legal Education Certificate (LEC), which qualified him to practice law across the Eastern Caribbean states.

“Today marks a day of tremendous reflection and gratitude. As a newly admitted attorney-at-law, I stand before you with a profound sense of achievement and humility, contemplating the journey that has led me to this remarkable milestone. Notwithstanding that, I still wake up at 3:00 a.m believing that I have an assignment due,” Bute said in his first address to the court as an attorney-at-law.

He said from the very first day of law school, he understood that this path demanded unwavering dedication, resilience, and commitment.

“During my internship at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Dwayne Daniel Law Chamber, Legal Aid Clinic, and Justice Omnibus Law Firm, I fully grasped the profound impact a lawyer can have,” he continued.
Bute added that these experiences have strengthened his passion for the law and reaffirmed his belief in his crucial role in guaranteeing access to justice for
all.

“As I stand here today, I am acutely aware of the weight that comes with the title of attorney-at-law. This profession is not just a career; it is a calling that demands integrity, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law. We are entrusted with the lives and liberties of those we represent, and it is our duty to serve them with diligence, respect, and the highest ethical standards.”

The attorney said that the law provides the framework which protects our rights, resolves our disputes, and maintains order.

“However, beyond the statutes and precedents, the law is about people, their stories, struggles, and aspirations. Looking to the future, I am filled with excitement and determination. I am eager to position myself in law practice, continue learning and growing, and contribute meaningfully to the legal profession. Whether in the courtroom, in advisory roles, or through pro-bono work. I am committed to making a positive impact and upholding the noble traditions of this profession.”