Mr. John Benjamin, KC
Mr. John Benjamin, KC
The funeral service of the late John Benjamin, KC, was held at the Pro-Cathedral of St. Mary’s Anglican Church in The Valley on the morning of Thursday, January 11th, 2024. He had died on Sunday, November 26th, 2023 at the age of 77.
“John Benjamin” had been quite a popular name in the Anguillian community ever since he arrived on the island in 1983 to set up business as one of Anguilla’s leading attorneys and to serve as Acting Magistrate. As such, a large number of persons turned out to pay their last respects to this jovial legal luminary, who was not just a legal icon on the judicial frontier, but who was a community activist, a national philanthropist, and a cultural pioneer as well.
As the undertaker wheeled John’s casket down the aisle, his legal colleague and namesake, Senior Magistrate, Keithley Benjamin, gently pushed the coffin as he walked behind it, escorting the remains of his deceased friend right down to the altar – a remarkable gesture, indeed.
The Epistle reading was read by Mr. Benjamin’s son Yohance, and the Old Testament scripture by his daughter, Attorney Danielle Benjamin. The siblings also paid tribute to the memory of their Dad:
“Wherever you saw my father, I was always behind him,” Yohance said. “I was given the nickname ‘John Junior’ because I always accompanied my Dad. We would have Saturday morning breakfast at Nico’s Restaurant, and I admired him while he would sit and chat with his friends. Life was good back then. My father was not only my biggest role model but also my biggest supporter. He saw greatness in my future before I could even walk.”
Danielle remarked: “Dad, as we mourn your passing, we remember your life and our time with you here. You are forever etched in our hearts, and so I and all who continue to remember you, pray that you be kept safe in the hands of God.”
One of John’s former fellow students, Dancia Penn OBE, KC, wrote and read the eulogy. Ms. Penn is a former Attorney General of The British Virgin Islands, and during the early 1980s she had attended school with John at the Norman Manley Law School, their alma mater in Kingston, Jamaica.
Though Ms. Penn highlighted many aspects of John’s successful career, his schooling in the UK, and his extra-curricular pursuits that were linked to his passion as an advocate for civil rights and justice, in particular, she portrayed John as a dear friend.
“I can take you to the spot at the corner of Old Hope Road and Hillcrest Avenue in Kingston, Jamaica,” she recounted, “where John Benjamin and I first met. It was in October, 1979 and I believe that it was a Friday afternoon. John had just returned to the Caribbean from England, after living there for many years, to undertake studies at the Norman Manley Law School.
“I had gone to Jamaica from The British Virgin Islands for the same purpose. From that day, John and I struck up a friendship which lasted to the end of his life. John was a familiar and well-liked figure at Norman Manley, and around the Mona Campus.
“His tall, commanding presence could not be missed, and he was a well-known patron of the ladies who sold Tastee patties and sweet-buns under a huge tree on the Campus grounds. He loved those Tastee patties and sweet-buns, and I can still see him eating his pattie, pushing it up in a brown paper bag [little by little, bite by bite] in that special way that Jamaicans do.
“John and I were confidantes. We shared the highs and lows of our lives. In fact, there was a time when we telephoned each other every day, sometimes just to laugh. And this was long before WhatsApp was even thought of.
“Our parents, my siblings, my husband – and everyone –embraced John as a member of our family. And as he was for me, John was there for my family when we were on the mountain top and when we were down in the valley.
“At times, John would just buy his plane fares and show up. Ours was a solid and enduring friendship and we shared a strong professional bond.
“Sincere condolences are extended to the entire Team at Caribbean Juris Chambers and the Benjamin Group of Companies. To John you were family and we hope that you will carry on his legacy.
“John’s passing is a loss to ALL of us, to Anguilla, the Caribbean, and beyond. We give thanks for his life and his service to humankind and express the hope that his life and legacy are marked in a special way,” she said.
The Honorable Premier, Dr. Ellis Webster paid tribute to John on behalf of the Government of Anguilla. “John was instrumental in the social development of Anguilla,” he said. “He became active in the advancement of social justice, industry, culture and politics. He was a true icon in the legal profession serving as a lawyer, magistrate and judge. Such was the talent of the man.
“Mr. John Benjamin KC embodied the values of leadership, compassion, foresight and refreshed innovation. We note his contributions and see a broad horizon, standing on the social barriers that were broken down by his hard work ethics and tireless service…
“He made a profound impact on the lives of many Anguillians and our Anguillian society. I join the Anguilla community in mourning the loss of a legal giant and a social and cultural icon. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, his loved ones, and his staff.
“On behalf of the Government of Anguilla, our condolences go out to you all. May all who mourn find solace in the memories of his life…He is gone but not forgotten. May his soul rest in peace.”
The Honourable Leader of the Opposition, Cora Richardson-Hodge, who is an attorney as well, also paid tribute: “Mr. John Benjamin was many things to many persons,” she reflected. “He was a barrister and solicitor, and the business owner of Caribbean Juris Chambers. In addition, he was an Acting Magistrate and an Acting High Court Judge.
“Mr. Benjamin was a social worker, arbitrator, and a community activist. He was a president setter, a carnival chairman, a boat racing aficionado, a radio talk-show host, a member of the Rotary Club, a member of the Chamber of Commerce and the Chairman of the Anguilla Tourist Board. He was a husband, a father, a family member and a friend.
“I recall my interactions with Mr. Benjamin which spanned over twenty years. As a young attorney, I had appeared before him as magistrate in some matters and then as opposing council in other matters. Notwithstanding the many hats that he wore, Mr. Benjamin always found time to meet with me as young council to provide me with insight.
“Over the years, I found Mr. Benjamin to be a fountain of information from which I was able to learn. He must have passed on that trait to his staff, as they too have developed a reputation of helpfulness…
“The 1998 ‘Talk Your Mind’ landmark case in which Mr. Benjamin was a claimant, established a clear precedent concerning the protection of our constitutional rights to freedom of expression, and as such, this case has been used as a precedent throughout the world…
“I had the opportunity to visit Mr. Benjamin when he was hospitalized, and I was able to share with him the raging debate that was ongoing about carnival and its greatness while he was chairman. His eyes lit up and he smiled as he realized that his efforts had indeed been recognized…
“On behalf of the Members of His Majesty’s loyal Opposition in the Anguilla House of Assembly, my firm, Eusticia Law Chambers, and my family, I extend deepest condolences to Mr. Benjamin’s family, the former and present staff of Caribbean Juris Chambers, as well as his friends, loved ones and colleagues. May he rest in eternal peace.”
Other tributes were given by Legal Representative, Mr. Courtney Abel, as well as Mrs. Keisha Carty, on behalf of the Anguilla Bar Association.
The sermon was presented by Bishop Errol Brooks, who is John’s close cousin. He recounted his youthful days spent with John at his homestead in North Side, reminiscing how their grandmother, Hanna Waiver, would be delighted with their childhood dramatization as two priests serving in a make-belief parish. “She would utter these words,” he said, ‘Lord my little grandsons want to be priests. Lord, please help them.’”
He related how John had gone to England to pursue a course in theology, but for some reason things did not go according to plans, so he switched to social work and eventually to law.
“John’s contributions to this community and the region in the areas of law, culture and the development of human capital are all well documented,” Bishop Brooks said. “So we thank God for giving him to us and for the good he was able to do in his lifetime. Like all of us, John was not perfect, but he tried…”
“I am convinced that there will be great reversal as at the end of time. Some people whom we think will be in Heaven will not be there, and some whom we think will not be there, they will be there. God is the final judge,” the Bishop said. “Not us!”
Bishop Brooks took his sermon from Luke 10. “Here,” he said, “an account is given of a lawyer who prompted Jesus to teach an important lesson for all time and for all people. The lawyer asked Jesus a question on the nature of law: ‘Behold a lawyer stood up to put Jesus to the test, asking Teacher what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ Jesus realized he was the man was an astute student of the law.”
The discourse between Jesus and the lawyer continued as Jesus asked him what was written. The lawyer listed for Jesus the principals of love as it was written in the law— to love God and neighbor. Jesus then told the lawyer, “Well, do this, then, and live.”
The discourse ended with Jesus teaching the lawyer, pointing out to him who his neighbour was – the one who stands in need of relief; the one who stands in need of love. John understood this.
The service ended with the singing of the song “What a Day That Will Be”. John Benjamin, KC, was laid to rest in the churchyard cemetery. May his soul Rest In Peace.
