The following statement was made yesterday by Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs Justice Charles R. Ramson, S.C., on the passing of Sir Joaquim Gonsalves-Sabola:
“It is with profound sadness that we received the news of the passing of Sir Joaquim Gonsalves-Sabola, undoubtedly one of Guyana’s most distinguished sons. He was a jurist of the greatest eminence and served in Guyana with distinction as Director of Public Prosecutions, High Court Judge, Solicitor-General, and Justice of Appeal.
This great jurist brought to bear dignity and refinement in his approach to the law; he was of a quiet disposition, always ready to extend a helpful word whether on or off the Bench – a humanist, if ever there was one -and, by dint of his erudition, attained the highest judicial office the Caribbean can offer. His urbanity was matchless and worthy of emulation by all persons who aspire to judicial office and other public positions.
He left Guyana in 1984 to take up a judicial appointment in the Bahamas but, as was expected, he went on to become a Justice of Appeal, Chief Justice and received a knighthood prior to becoming President of the Court of Appeal of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. Guyana’s loss was the Bahamas’ gain.
When the legal annals are recorded, Sir Joaquim will rank with the best of his predecessors and peers as will be manifest from his pursuit and development of a Caribbean jurisprudence.
Indeed, his Judgments were not only illuminating but could be read and appreciated by most in view of their lucidity, simplicity and cogency.
On behalf of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, the Law Officers and on my own behalf, it is with humility that I offer sincerest condolences to his family, Lady Gonsalves-Sabola and daughters, Suzanne, Camille and Margaret.
May his soul rest in peace.”