Anguillian Barrister-at-Law and Solicitor, Ms. Tara Carter, has achieved a milestone in the continuing development of her legal practice.
It is the grand opening of her new office building at Rey Hill, Anguilla. Carter & Associates operated from the Fairplay Commercial Complex since opening their doors five years ago. The firm is now located at the entrance to Rey Hill a few minutes from the Court House.
The well-attended opening ceremony, on Tuesday evening, August 6, included representatives of the legal fraternity, business partners, the clergy, a cross-section of the general public, family members and friends. They all shared in what was a celebration of Ms. Carter’s vision to develop a modern, comfortable law office for her continued practice and service to the community.
Former schoolmate and fellow Anguillian lawyer, Mrs. Keesha Carty, said although Ms. Carter was younger than her, she had always looked up to her. “I am particularly proud now because, at such a tender age, she has sacrificed to have her own building – and to establish herself as the youngest lawyer in Anguilla to achieve this level of success,” she told the applauding audience.
Mrs. Carty continued: “Tara, thank you for your incredible example, and for your selfless nature and loving spirit. I am so very happy for you, your son, your parents and your siblings. Your achievements are a testimony to them.”
She described Ms. Carter as “a truly amazing woman” who, from school days, had been setting impossible standards – forcing the rest of us to step up our game and to exceed our self-perceived limits. She added: “Tara went to law school and returned as a young force to be reckoned with. She has built up a reputation of being resolute, hard and firm. She is a woman who knows what she stands for. She knows her worth and is not prepared to undermine it. She is an example to her female colleagues, young and old alike.”
Two family friends who spoke earlier were Mr. Gifford Connor and Mrs. Evalie Bradley. Mr. Connor described Ms. Carter’s new office building as a milestone and a significant achievement in her still youthful life.” He went on: “What is more inspiring to me is that you are not only an astute lawyer, but a well-rounded individual – and played the key and crucial roles in this development. You knew what you wanted and actually did the design of the building.”
Mr. Connor also had words of appreciation for Ms. Carter’s father, Mr. Pagette Carter, who was not only the project manager, but the contractor, plumber and electrician among other jobs. He spent endless, sleepless nights trying to bring the project together and was able to complete two weeks ahead of Tara’s deadline.
“The electrical engineering in this building is not simple,” he stressed. “The subcontractors marvelled that they had never done a building where all the attributes were so properly and neatly in place – and he [Pagette] deserves another round of applause.”
Mrs. Bradley, who recalled working in the Anguilla Public Service with both Tara and Pagette, said: “Tara might have supplied the finance for this beautiful edifice but the innovation, architecture, support and guidance came from Pagette.” She continued: “Tara, this occasion really makes me feel proud of all you have been able to achieve in your life’s journey. I challenge you to continue to humble yourself, be led and inspired by God Almighty, the main architect of all that you have and are.”
Mrs. Bradley further stated: “Tara, I want to celebrate you as a bright, intelligent and witty legal professional who can now hold your own as one of the leading legal professionals on the island. You exude confidence, authority in your character as a person and in your professional capacity,…and you defend your clients with fortitude, boldness and authority. But, above all, God has been good and faithful to you.”
Mrs. Bradley, who is the Ministerial Assistant in the Ministry of Home Affairs, congratulated Ms. Carter and her family on behalf of the Government of Anguilla, represented by Premier Victor Banks and herself. The Deputy Governor, Mr. Perin Bradley, was also in attendance.
Responding, Ms. Carter spoke at length about her involvement in the project and the diligence of her father, the support of her family (especially her brother), her staff, the contractors and other workers. In thanking them, she also expressed her thanks and appreciation to those persons who were involved in the opening ceremony. They included Pastor Cecil Richardson who delivered the opening prayer, Bishop Errol Brooks who blessed her office building, Ms. Myisha Le’Tang for her rendition and Mrs. Samara Gordon who chaired the ceremony. Tara also graciously thanked her nieces Zhanae and Azara Carter for their duet: “To dream the impossible dream”.
Other participants were Mr. Pagette Carter and Ms. Carter’s son, Trent Ruan (surrounded by her mother Mrs. Bernadine Carter and sister Dr. Tonya Wright), who cut the ribbon..
Ms. Carter’s office building is a multi-purpose structure. She told The Anguillian newspaper that, in addition to providing offices downstairs for three lawyers and three secretaries, there were also two condo-styled two-bedroom apartments upstairs mainly for short-term visiting legal personnel and other professionals.
She added: “I am very happy that although the opening of the building was during the holiday week, so many people came out to celebrate this milestone on my 39th birthday). There was a great cross-section of people and family members who were involved in my life. It meant a lot to me.”
