Dear Editor,
IT is with much satisfaction that I write to commend President David Granger on the fulfilment of his promise to annually appoint deserving attorneys to Senior Counsel. The President, a right-thinking leader, re-started a tradition that was halted for about 20 years under the former administration.

Recognition of the contributions made by attorneys to the system of justice here must be acknowledged and is worthy of high commendation. It is pleasing to see that we are returning to a state where our traditions are not cast aside for political purposes and that eminent attorneys are given respect where same is due.

In 2016, President Granger announced the appointment of nine distinguished attorneys in the names of Neil Boston, Charles Fung-A-Fat, Justice Alison Roxane McLean George-Wiltshire, Clifton Mortimer Llewelyn John, Rafiq Turhan Khan, Vidyanand Persaud, Rosalie Althea Robertson, Justice Claudette Margot Cecile Singh; and Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Basil Williams.

Holding firm on his promise to make such appointments annually, the President late last year announced the appointment of four new Senior Counsel; Kalam Azad Juman Yassin, Fitz Le Roy Peters, Andrew Mark Fitzgerald Pollard and Josephine Whitehead. The quartet received their instruments of commission on Wednesday.

As is the case with the re-introduction of the National Awards in 2016, the appointment of senior counsel must be applauded. The President would be failing in his responsibility as head-of-state should he not uphold the tradition which represents a symbol of nationhood.
The coveted title of Senior Counsel is one that can see junior counsel lifting the bar with the hope that one day they too can be appointed Senior Counsel. Those bestowed with the title Senior Counsel are erudite, articulate, and au fait with the ever-evolving legal framework not only locally, but farther afield.

Kudos to President Granger for upholding the tradition and congratulations to the recipients who are distinguished men and women of the soil, deserving of their silk. This is indeed the culture of a good society, Mr President. Thank you for restoring a tradition that was lost.

Regards
Troy Douglas