UPDATE: Cocktail reception closes celebration of newest admission of Queen's Counsel
Those who turned up spent the night mingling and reflecting on the contributions of Dennis to the profession. Many spoke of his unique ability to maintain a high level of professionalism on par with an active social life. One person who attested to that fact was a close peer and “hang out partner” Mrs Lorna Smith, wife of Premier Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith.
Mrs Smith expressed her deep regrets for not being able to make her appearance at the ceremony earlier in the day as she was in the USA on important government business. During a brief remark at the reception, she spoke of the changing face of the Virgin Islands in the international scene. She told the story of being asked by a US resident where she was from and having told him she asked if he knew where that was and was startled when he identified the Territory with the recent “leak” that has been making headlines across the world. “That underscore the importance of me being away to assist with some serious negotiations,” Mrs Smith said.
That note didn’t in any way dampen the spirit of the celebrations as others who spoke continued in the mode of reflection, congratulations and well wishes. The celebrations were seen as very important because it has been a decade since the last Queen’s Counsel appointments were made within the Virgin Islands.
See previous story posted on April 19, 2013
Jamaican is the newest member of the Inner Bar of the VI
At a special sitting of the Supreme Court of the Virgin Islands, Jamaica born Barrister-At-Law Mr Paul Barrington Dennis was this morning April 19, 2013 admitted to the Inner Bar of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court as a Queen's Counsel.
His admission was done before Her Ladyship the Honourable Justice Vikki Ann Ellis and His Lordship the Honourable Justice Edward Bannister. Among the full house of legal professionals present to witness the admission were Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources Honourable Kedrick D. Pickering, Speaker of the House of Assembly Honourable Ingrid Moses-Scatliffe and Governor William B. McCleary.
Described as one of the most proud persons in the court for the admission was Mr Dennis' mother Ms Constance Murray who was accompanied by his sister Joan Murray, brother Cleve Dennis and cousin Peter Brown all of whom travelled from the USA and England to witness the achievement, which has raised the standard of their family.
Paul Dennis arrived at the Supreme Court to much hugs and kisses from fellows, friends and relatives, some of whom travelled from locations around the world specifically for the occasion.
In moving the motion for admission, Mr Paul Webster Q.C., Spoke at length of the contributions made by Dennis in the judicial system of Jamaica and the Virgin Islands. He recalled Dennis' appearing in one of Jamaica's biggest trials, that of Peter Tosh. He was also recognised for having served in the trial on one of the most popular and internationally followed murders committed in the Virgin Islands- the trial of four American men for the murder of a young woman. "I think his greatest hobby is dancing," Mr Webster told the court as he sought to establish what a rounded person Paul Dennis is.
The motion was seconded by Dr J.S. Archibald, Q.C., supported by member of the Outer Bar Ms Dawn Smith. The Robing was done by Mr Webster, who was assisted by Ms N. Whyte. This was followed by the declaration of the Queen's Counsel and Signing of the Roll.
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26 Responses to “UPDATE: Cocktail reception closes celebration of newest admission of Queen's Counsel”
As a graduate of the A.Sc. in Paralegal Studies who has benefitted from your vast knowledge of the law, I am truly grateful for your selfless acts of service to the community as a teacher, who has helped to educate BVIslanders and expatriates alike.
Well done Sir, well done!
Let's see what your legacy will be Mr.Dennis..
Your works over the months and years will determine the true value of those letters, dear dear now Paul!