| The passing of Anguilla’s most distinguished and respected jurist, Dame Bernice Lake QC, like all deaths, has left an aching void in the hearts of all who knew her. |
| It has been for many a distinct pleasure to have known her and to live in an island which gave birth to her and in which she was an outstanding citizen and human being. She has gone the way of all mortals, but has left behind for family, friends and the whole community, a proud and enduring legacy and a shining example for all of us. She was born in Anguilla at a time of extreme hardship and backwardness that was the unfortunate lot of a small and poor island, once dubbed the “backwater of the Caribbean”. But it was the fortitude of her upbringing, personal ambition and determination to achieve that eventually led to her successful accomplishments and recognition not only in our small islands, but on the world stage. It was perhaps her varied struggles through life, the need to triumph and the dictates of her legal professionthat helped to shape her tough and fearless personality. Yet, that front, that so well characterised her, was really belied by such outstanding fine qualities as caring love, kindness and humility. She also possessed and brought to the fore a consuming desire to uplift, promote and guard the human rights and other interests of her fellowmen and the island she called home. No tribute is too great or fancy for this well-accomplished and endearing daughter of Anguilla who has left a proud legacy for all of us to emulate. May her soul repose in peace. |
