Arabella di Lorio elected new BVI Bar Association President
According to a press release put out by the BVI Bar Association, the Annual General Meeting was held on Tuesday May 14, 2013 and a new Bar Council was elected.
"Ms Arabella di Lorio was elected as the new President, Mr. Dan Wise was re-elected as First Vice-President, Mrs. Willa Tavernier, the incumbent Treasurer of the Bar, was elected to the post of Second Vice President, Mrs. Shamara Morton-Maynard was re-elected to the post of Secretary and Miss Jude Hanley was elected as the new Treasurer of the Association," stated the release.
Speaking with Virgin Island's News Online, Ms di Lorio said 2012 was a year in which the Association focused on the Legal Profession Act, and that focus is likely to continue this year. "We do, however, also want to consider other areas, and particularly those in which the legal profession can assist the community. We want to continue to encourage students to consider a career in law, and we want to look at ways in which justice can be made more accessible to those who cannot afford to instruct a barrister or solicitor to represent them."
She told this news site that some of their statutes are also in need of modernization, and that they hope to assist the legislature in making those changes. "And we are of course conscious of the need to market the Territory overseas, and how the quality of justice and the profession can assist in that regard," said Ms di Lorio.
Their release had stated that during the course of the meeting it was reported that the Association had a successful financial year. Outgoing President, Ms Keisha Durham, delivered the annual report outlining the activities and accomplishments of the Bar over the past year. It was noted that the draft Legal Profession Bill had been a key focus for the Association, which has been working closely with Government on the detail of the proposed legislation. The Bar also participated in the annual High School Career Expo, which this year was open to all High Schools in the Territory. Feedback from the students showed that interest in a career in the law remains encouragingly high. The work undertaken by the profession in relation to public legal education was also highlighted at the meeting.
On that ocassion Ms di Iorio dad said, "The new Bar Council remains committed to the maintenance of the highest quality advisory services, the highest standards of ethics across the profession, and the provision of fair access to justice for all. I take this opportunity to thank all those who have contributed to the achievements of the previous year and to emphasise that the new Council remains committed to building on those achievements."
The BVI Bar Association was established in 1976. The Presidents of the Bar Association in order of succession are: Mr Lionel Barker (1976-1982); Mr McWelling Todman, CBE, QC (1982-1986, d.); Dr Joseph S. Archibald, QC (1986-1994); Mr Colin T.S. O’Neal (1994-1996); Mr Michael Riegels, QC (1996-1999); Mr Paul Webster, QC (1999-2001); Mrs Hélène Anne Lewis (2001-2003); Mr Paul Dennis (2003-2006); Mrs Lisa Penn-Lettsome (2006-2008); Mrs Tana’ania Small Davis (2008-2010); Ms Keisha M. Durham (2010-2013); Miss Arabella di Lorio (2013 - present).
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17 Responses to “Arabella di Lorio elected new BVI Bar Association President”
racists are so dumb, they can't even read an article properly.
If persons in this country feels that a "black" should occupy a legal position, what's wrong with that?
Decisions about leadership based on race are determined daily right here in this country and most of you will not classify it as racist. Depending on the ethnic group, most of you will classify the process as "looking out for one's own"!
So if a few Virgin Islanders(British) or others feel similarly in this case, why, hell, they're just acting similarly by suggesting that the "system" majoritized by blacks should " look out for one's own".
Perhaps the act is legal. After all solicitors of all ethnic groups are born and some do live here and it's a rotational process. Fair!
Just as you "So so" is entitled to your opinion so does everyone else!
The position is voted on and is a voluntary role.