A reception was held at Government House on Thursday, April 4, by His Excellency the Governor in Anguilla, Alistair Harrison, in honour of Barrister-at-Law John Benjamin, CEO of Caribbean Juris Chambers, and Attorney General, James Wood, both of whom were recently appointed to the position of Queen’s Counsel.
The Governor presented Letters Patent from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Second to Mr. Wood on January 18, and to Mr. Benjamin on February 22. Mr. Benjamin was then Acting High Court Judge in Nevis, Montserrat and St. Kitts.
Mr. Harrison told the guests at the reception that the event was held “to give us all an opportunity to congratulate John Benjamin and James Wood on being called to the distinguished rank of Queen’s Counsel.
“John has had a very long and distinguished career at the Private Bar in Anguilla – and also as a Magistrate and later as a Judge – and as a very distinguished Talk Show Host…He is someone who has stood for the highest principles of the legal profession and, in his other roles, for the principles of free speech and has also been a very active member of the community for many years.
“James has had a shorter distinguished career here in Anguilla, but that is the culmination of a very long and distinguished career elsewhere. He has been Attorney General – not just in Anguilla but also in Montserrat. He has served with distinction in the Private Bar in the United Kingdom and has also worked in St. Lucia.”
Replying, Mr Benjamin said in part: “First, I must thank the Governor for his very gracious remarks. I hope I have lived up to most of the community’s expectations. I tried to do my best for what is just and right for the community and all those I came in contact with. I was honoured that the Silk Committee saw it fit to appoint me and to distinguish me in that way. I hope I can continue to be of service to the Bar as well as the community.”
Mr. Benjamin was grateful to the invited guests for honouring both him and Mr. Wood by their presence and support.
Mr. Wood said: “I am also very grateful to receive the appointment and there are many people I need to thank in very different ways for being involved in the process that led to this. [They include] His Excellency the Governor, the Honourable Chief Justice, the Secretary of State in the UK – everybody from my parents for supporting me through the Bar process, Chambers in England, St. Lucia, Montserrat – and everybody I am so happy to work with here in Chambers in Anguilla.”
Mr. Wood offered his heartiest congratulations to Mr. Benjamin on his appointment and thanked the guests for attending the reception.
