BU read the the views expressed by outgoing President of the Barbados Bar Association (BBA) Leslie Haynes QC which were pressed recently by a local newspaper and was left to ask the question – how did he [Haynes] advance the BBA in the last year? Quoting the article,  Haynes, who did not seek re-election at yesterday’s annual general meeting, also called on Government to put a new Land Title Act on the statute books. BU’s expectation at Haynes’ appointment as President of BBA that he would have blazed a legacy of merit was never pitched very high anyway.

Haynes’ biggest contribution as President of the BBA would have been his utterance which condemned the appointment of incoming Chief Justice Marston Gibson. Perhaps it is one he will regret. BU’s position on the appointment of Gibson is a matter of record. His selection from outside the inner ring recommends him most, the fact that he is an eminently qualified Barbadian is beyond dispute.

In the same way our expectation of Haynes was anchored very low we hold the opposite view for his replacement based on information which comes from a reliable source. The election of Andrew Pilgrim as President of the BBA signals that there are some in the legal community who yearn for a new dispensation.

Andrew Pilgrim is known for his unequivocal integrity and no nonsense posture. It appears he has a tremendous support within the Bar if we are to judge by his landslide election. BU is prepared to opine that Pilgrim’s election, like Gibson’s, signals that they are many who disapprove how the entire judicial system has been managed in recent times, and would not mind seeing some change for the better. It would be an unwise person who would bet against Pilgrim being able to make a positive contribution.

Pilgrim’s anti-death penalty is known but in the eyes of BU he compensates with a significant pro bono workload which he is known for around the Courts. Another quality which recommends him is his fearlessness when seeking justice on behalf of his clients. His tussles with a few magistrates and judges who are steeped in tradition are not unfamiliar to Barbadians. He is also known to be apolitical and his elevation can be seen as his peers demonstrating a high level of respect and confidence for the man. Some might suggest they have also demonstrated displeasure at Haynes’ tenure who is known to be political. If ever there was a person deserving of the QC designation, it is Pilgrim.

The thought of Chief Justice Marston Gibson and Andrew Pilgrim, President of BBA patrolling our legal system is enough to make anyone salivate at the fur which is bound to fly. The importance of a relevant judiciary and ancillary services manned by competent people are important to a working democracy. We wish them both all the best.