Anguilla’s Governor, His Excellency Alistair Harrison, entertained outgoing Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, Sir Hugh Rawlins, and other members of the legal fraternity, at a farewell reception at Government House on Monday evening, May 14.
During the occasion, Governor Harrison echoed the sentiments expressed by High Court Judge, Justice Blenman, who spoke earlier at the Court regarding the patience, courteousness and consideration with which the Chief Justice carried out his work over the years.
Mr. Harrison said he believed that the job of the Chief Justice was one of the most difficult ones in theCaribbean, if not in the world. He said in part: “It requires him to sit above not one, but nine jurisdictions…and to bring justice, tempered with mercy, when necessary, in those jurisdictions, working with politicians, lawyers and judges and sometimes in difficult resource situations.”
The Governor stated that “Anguillacan pat itself on the back that we are up to date in our subscriptions to the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court.” He hoped that “Anguillawill continue to maintain that excellent record.”
Governor Harrison continued: “I think it is tremendously important, Chief Justice, that in a small jurisdiction, likeAnguilla, where everybody knows each other, that the legal system should seem to be impartial. In practice, the only way to achieve that impartiality is for the legal system to have its roots, and above all, its bust, outside the island. I think we have all been able to have great confidence in the judgments that you have sent us from time to time…
“We believe that you have done an excellent job in a very difficult situation and with very difficult constraints. One thing I learnt was the way in which you had developed your academic career, and the contribution that you had made throughout your career to the nurturing of the talent in all our jurisdictions. It was very moving to hear a number of your previous pupils…who benefitted from your formal and informal tutelage over the years.”
The Governor offered his best wishes for the future to Sir Hugh and Lady Claudette Rawlins.
Chief Minister Hubert Hughes said in part: “I have come here in a privileged capacity because for me to be able to address so great a man, as Sir Hugh Rawlins, it makes me feel great.
“He did two things that I didn’t have the courage to do. He took a job to teach at the St. Kitts-Nevis Grammar School. When I was asked to teach at the same school, I refused saying I could not settle down to be a teacher. I was too radical. He also went to law school. When my family tried to get me to law school, I said I want to go to Heaven (laughter).
“The first regret I had was today, because when I listened to Sir Hugh, I thought that he was a great ecclesiastical and not a Judge who was talking. The language he talked was so humane I couldn’t believe it could be from a lawyer.
“Thank you, Sir, and have a have a wonderful retirement.”
Leader of the Opposition, Evans M. Rogers, told Sir Hugh that he had left an indelible mark on all who had come into contact with him. He highly commended the Chief Justice for the distinguished work he had done throughout his life and career.“It is also a situation where a number of your students can all attest to your teaching skills and, although you never taught me, there were a number of things I took away from your response from the bench,” Mr. Rogers told Sir Hugh.
“You spoke about protocol and respect which I think we need a little more of here inAnguilla. You spoke about independent thinking, not believing everything you hear, but at the same time asking questions.
“As a politician, there are times when we get on a political platform and say a lot of things that hurt other individuals. I hope that withthe talent and resources that you possess, that you will be able to continue to share the same throughout the region and throughout the world.
“The accomplishments, academic and otherwise, that you have attained during your illustrious career, and life, are a testimony – and something that we all should be proud of in the entireCaribbeanand indeed the world. It is not only for the people of the Federation ofSt. Kitts and Nevis. We in Anguilla were part of that Federation at one time, so we inAnguillaare also proud of your accomplishments.”
Mr. Rogers offered his best wishes to the Chief Justice, expressing the hope that he would be able, with good health and strength, to continue to dispense his knowledge and experiencefor the benefit of people everywhere.
