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Chief Justice Marston Gibson
Chief Justice Marston Gibson

Whether we like it or not the constitution of Barbados recognizes the Queen of England as the head of state of Barbados. We practice the Westminster system of government and until we pluck the will from somewhere to believe in an indigenous way, Queen Elizabeth II through her agent the Governor General will continue to play that vital role as head of state.

One of the perks of the system which is eagerly looked forward to by members of the legal fraternity – for the status it confers – is to attain the designation of Queen’s Counsel (QC). BU understands the latest group of QCs who were informed four weeks ago have been delayed in their celebration because the list cannot be published until the Chief Justice (CJ) issues the warrants. According to our source, the list was sent to him (CJ) four weeks ago. It is customary for the warrants to be issued as soon as the GG has  written the QCs. There is a little buzz in the fraternity caused by the delay which cannot be explained.

Out of curiosity, and for no other reason, BU would like to know why the CJ is sitting on the warrants? It cannot be that he is very busy because his last sighting on the cocktail circuit was carried in today’s press.

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  1. Nobel Soothsayer Avatar
    Nobel Soothsayer

    Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz gone viral nah. From here on in, don’t be surprised to see a lot more off it too.

  2. can't wait Avatar
    can’t wait

    Is the attorney who messed up the BSTU for his PM friend among the awardees? just checking

  3. Nobel Soothsayer Avatar
    Nobel Soothsayer

    Here is a list of possibles by initials

    VDe
    HG
    AB
    ML

  4. Enuff Avatar
    Enuff

    HG for sure, while a gentleman got erased because of political stripes.

  5. millertheanunnaki Avatar
    millertheanunnaki

    @ Nobel Soothsayer | March 14, 2013 at 8:09 PM |

    H G for sure! He definitely worked for his.
    But what will happen in a couple of years if not a few months when a Q is changed to a K? Will it be automatic to be called a KC?

  6. millertheanunnaki Avatar
    millertheanunnaki

    @ can’t wait | March 14, 2013 at 8:03 PM |

    The BSTU along with Pinkie Red Riding woman deserve to tricked big time. Both have been used, abused, and refused.
    Will teach them never to trust politicians of their henchmen.

    Same thing applies to the BIPA and its fowler game hen. She too will be “screwed” like to bald pooch cat.

  7. Prodigal Son Avatar
    Prodigal Son

    My God, this sucks!

  8. David Avatar
    David

    @Miller

    What is in a name?

    The following link is interesting if only to expose that the QC system which is revered by Barbados’ finest is under pressure in the UK to be reviewed.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen's_Counsel_Selection_Panel

  9. BAFBFP Avatar
    BAFBFP

    Because I happen to be born Barbadian, I am legally bound to recognize Elizabeth Mountbatten as my head of state ..? What happens if I don’t…? How can I in the normal process of living demonstrate that I do NOT..?

    Who is H G, ya whimps … ?

    VDe, Virla DePieza, after all she is a politician … ML Michael Lashley is also a politician

  10. Enuff Avatar
    Enuff

    Verla Depeiza QC for what again?

  11. David Avatar
    David

    Are we forgetting how a person qualifies?

  12. Nobel Soothsayer Avatar
    Nobel Soothsayer

    @ the miller

    For sure I know who could be offered only KFC…..none other than Barney Ivy or should I say Mr.Semantics K HB.

  13. Caswell Franklyn Avatar
    Caswell Franklyn

    The Dems were afraid that they were going to lose the elections and they rushed and named their friends as QCs three days before the polls.

    As I understand it, one of the persons who was promised silk (QC) did not find favour with the Bar or the Judiciary and pressure was brought to bear to support the recommendation. My information is that lay people, who just look past the surface, consider the person to be a good choice but the legal profession has little regard for the person. But we shall wait and see who are these people that the Bench and the Bar consider to be undeserving.

  14. St George's Dragon Avatar
    St George’s Dragon

    VDe – Very few Dollars paid in tax
    HG – Heavily in with Government
    AB – ?
    ML – Money for Land permissions

  15. Colonel Buggy Avatar
    Colonel Buggy

    BAFBFP | March 14, 2013 at 8:31 PM |
    Because I happen to be born Barbadian, I am legally bound to recognize Elizabeth Mountbatten as my head of state ..? What happens if I don’t…? How can I in the normal process of living demonstrate that I do NOT..?
    ……………………………………………………………………………
    Once upon a time ,if you did, Your head would be in a state, or in basket.

  16. BAFBFP Avatar
    BAFBFP

    Who the f3ck is HG fa Chris’ sake …?

  17. BAFBFP Avatar
    BAFBFP

    I am sure you meant on a stake …but of course I would rather have it on a steak

  18. Simple Simon Avatar
    Simple Simon

    Or on a stake

  19. Simple Simon Avatar
    Simple Simon

    @BAFBFP | March 14, 2013 at 11:44 PM …”Who the f3ck is HG fa Chris’ sake …?”

    Hal Gollop

    You duncy or what?

  20. Seeking Information Avatar
    Seeking Information

    @ Caswell Franklyn
    you must be a terribly unhappy person , spending your life in the unproductive pastime of pulling down people . If as you often comment that the judiciary is of such poor quality the lay people might very well be the best judges of that person’s merit . As I understand it persons have to be recommended by senior attorneys .it would be interesting to find out who nominated this unworthy person for the accolade of QC .

  21. Simple Simon Avatar
    Simple Simon

    VDe=Verla Depieza
    HG=Hal Gollop
    AB=Adrel Brathwaite
    ML=Michael Lshley

    I am sure that this lady and these gentlemen and all the other lawyers understand that we the general public don’t give a fcuk whether a lawyer is a QC or not.

    We just want the legal work that we are paying for, done quickly and done well.

    You think we care about letters?

    No we care about efficiency.

  22. Sargeant Avatar
    Sargeant

    Like the professional athletes hoping to get into the Hall of Fame after a long and productive career, some lawyers hope to add the honorific QC after their names. At least in the field of Sport there is some tangible evidence that the individual has accomplished something of merit/ value but the time has long passed when the designation QC was a measuring tool for one’s accomplishment in the legal field. In recent years this practice has fallen into the realm of patronage with rewards suitably dispensed according to the whims of those holding electoral power.

    If I hire a QC in Barbados will I be assured of better representation or a higher bill? It’s more of the latter as QC’s do bill at higher rates so the designation does have Economic power no wonder lawyers are clamoring for the honour.

    It’s time to abolish that archaic hand me down from the colonial masters.

  23. JUST ASKING Avatar
    JUST ASKING

    Seeking Information . | March 14, 2013 at 11:56 PM |
    @ Caswell Franklyn
    you must be a terribly unhappy person , spending your life in the unproductive pastime of pulling down people . If as you often comment that the judiciary is of such poor quality the lay people might very well be the best judges of that person’s merit . As I understand it persons have to be recommended by senior attorneys .it would be interesting to find out who nominated this unworthy person for the accolade of QC

    most if not all COMBERMERE PEOPLE DOES ENGAGE IN PULLING DOWN PEOPLE—————THEY ARE SO SICKENING IT AINT FUNNY—THEY SHOULD BE BANNED FROM PUBLIC PLACES

    THOMPSON USED TO LIKE PULLING DOWN MASCOLL, HE PULL HE RIGHT DOWN DOWN. HE DID LIKE PULLING DOWN HE PANTS TOO AND HE PULL DOWN OR SHOULD IT BE *ULL DOWN LEROY PARRIS.*ULL HE DOWN TO THE GROUND.—THE EY SAY HE LIKE HE WAS A PULLER *
    CASWELL NEED TO STOP PULLING ——DOWN EVERYBODY

  24. PLANTATION DEEDS FROM 1926-2013 AND SEE MASSIVE FRAUD ,LAND TAX BILLS AND NO DEEDS Avatar
    PLANTATION DEEDS FROM 1926-2013 AND SEE MASSIVE FRAUD ,LAND TAX BILLS AND NO DEEDS

    Crook picking crooks to be QCs , More Quick Crooks to charge people More money for the same junk work , lets see who name pop up on my list of crook lawyers , Like Ralph Thorne ,, before the BAR and still make in between hearings .People need to check the records and not just favor . Dam shame ,
    We deal with Kings not Queens crooks,, KCs, not QCs.
    Just asking @ no matter pulling down , Ask if the words are true or false , only thing that mattes ,

  25. Amused Avatar
    Amused

    @David. I too would like to know why the CJ has not found the time to do his job in many respects, including the QC issue. One would almost think that he is taking instructions from the former CJ/AG. Maybe they are getting together for jam sessions and swapping notes at the same time as to how they can further screw us.

  26. David Avatar
    David

    Please note QC designation is routinely conferred on the Attorney General.

  27. PLANTATION DEEDS FROM 1926-2013 AND SEE MASSIVE FRAUD ,LAND TAX BILLS AND NO DEEDS Avatar
    PLANTATION DEEDS FROM 1926-2013 AND SEE MASSIVE FRAUD ,LAND TAX BILLS AND NO DEEDS

    May be the CJ knows some of the same lawyers are crooks and he have a hard time in his head to make them QCs. If the way they pick them is based on friendship and not proper legal work. He is not to agree with what he may not agree with, That would make the CJ the same as all the others , Bad company.
    Lets see how many of the same lawyers have dead cases milking the people out of funds that is on that list. 5 to 20 years cases plus

  28. Seeking Information . Avatar
    Seeking Information .

    @ Amused
    Have you been able to find out from your legal connections who this lawyer that Caswell Franklyn is so eager to pull down is? It will be very interesting to find out who recommended him because that should tell us something .

  29. Caswell Franklyn Avatar
    Caswell Franklyn

    David you wrote:

    Please note QC designation is routinely conferred on the Attorney General.

    That was started by Arthur because the people he chose to be AG were really juniors. Mind you there is no law that requires the AG to be a lawyer. The person is required to be a member of the House or Senate that’s all.

    When the court awards cost, QC are paid more, not necessarily for better work.

    How can I be said to be pulling down anybody. The lawyers would tell you that truth is a complete defence to defamation. Mr. QC if you are ashamed about the way you acquired your honour , you should have refused it. I know that the inconvenient truth would bother you, and quite frankly, I don’t care. Degrading everything in Barbados because of politics must stop.

  30. David Avatar
    David

    @Caswell

    People who know you appreciate that you are a straight shooter. What recourse is there if the CJ continues to sit on the warrants?

  31. BAFBFP Avatar
    BAFBFP

    David

    Now you see that. I fah one did not know that an AG does NOT have to be a Lawyer. I fah two did not know that by extension the AG does NOT require the title of QC… and I fah three did NOT know that HG stood fah Hal Gollop. David I gun done wid Barbados Underground since chances are that soon from now I ain’ even gun know wah “BU” stand fah … Stupse., a Simple woman call me duncy and the problem is that I agree wid she

  32. Well Well Avatar
    Well Well

    Seeing that New York, where the current chief justice gained all of his successes, does not recognize anything called queen counsels or queer counsels, I don’t see why he would think it is of any significance or immediate importance. The only anxious ones are the candidates waiting to puff up their chests. God forbid that the designation is outlawed by buckingham palace in a few days time, they would certainly die from not receiving their queer counsel designations.

  33. Seeking Information . Avatar
    Seeking Information .

    David , the Attorney General is considered to be THE LEADER OF THE BAR . How then can he be such if he is NOT a lawyer ?

  34. Bush Tea Avatar
    Bush Tea

    Obama is the Commander in Chief of the most powerful army in history…..
    ….is he a soldier?

  35. Well Well Avatar
    Well Well

    Too many people take this blighted westminister system way too seriously.

  36. David Avatar
    David

    If Caswell is correct about the qualification of the AG it can be checked soon enough.

  37. Amused Avatar
    Amused

    @Seeking Information . | March 15, 2013 at 7:14 AM | I have an excellent idea of who is on the list from the talk going around, but I hope you will pardon me if I don’t repeat gossip on this one. I am not doing it to obstruct – unlike the Chief Justice, who is now obstructing. I have strong reservations about Casewell from time to time…..and at other times, I think he is right. I believe his heart is in the right place, nonetheless, but that he experiences “lapses” of “Simmonsian” hue from time to time. So, unless he is following the Simmonsian agenda (as has happened all to often, in which case I know exactly who the lawyer he objects to is) I really don’t know to whom he refers. But the list inevitably will out and any Simmonsian machinations will fail, rather like the efforts at a trifecta for Sir and Lady Simmons.

  38. millertheanunnaki Avatar
    millertheanunnaki

    @ Bush Tea | March 15, 2013 at 8:05 AM |

    Good one, Bushie!
    You are really smarter than the miller thought. But at least you came under the tutelage of Joe Physics or Heads. So you must have known “Rubber Nut” Thorne? Husbands and Mayers certainly did and gave that poor old fellow real gripe, Trust you were not one of that boisterous gang of teasers!

    Have to agree with you, though. Such close professional association tends to breed incestuous decision-making and cronyism. Same thing applies to the MoF. With a large dose of commonsense, the ability to listen to competent advisors and be able to separate bullshit from workable solutions are the only requirements needed by any Minister of Government.

  39. Sargeant Avatar
    Sargeant

    @BAFBFP
    You have just admitted to your lack of knowledge regarding some aspects of constitutional requirements as it relates to the position of Atty. General. More recently you suggested that you were the individual who was riding a horse in a music video. Could one infer given your ignorance of certain matters that it would be more appropriate to write that instead of visualizing you as the rider of the horse it would be more appropriate to say that you are the horse’s hindquarters?
    🙂

  40. Nobel Soothsayer Avatar
    Nobel Soothsayer

    True to form from mr.condesending to the end……big gust yello belly pup U>

  41. Amused Avatar
    Amused

    @Seeking Information . | March 15, 2013 at 7:14 AM | I confess that, having reread Casewell comment, especially the final paragraph, I am very curious to know to whom he refers.

    Casewell says: “How can I be said to be pulling down anybody. The lawyers would tell you that truth is a complete defence to defamation*. Mr. QC if you are ashamed about the way you acquired your honour , you should have refused it. I know that the inconvenient truth would bother you, and quite frankly, I don’t care. Degrading everything in Barbados because of politics must stop.”

    From the names I have heard bandied about, I am at a loss to know to whom he refers. The names on that list of which I know are fully deserving on their merit AS LAWYERS. I do not count the AG in this, as the office, as David so correctly points out, is always awarded a QC BY CUSTOM. There is one name (who has nothing to do with politics whatever) that will occasion some comment, because of an old issue, but that person is an EXCELLENT lawyer. So Casewell clearly has the list, which I do not. Maybe Casewell would be so kind as to post it – and to let us know whence he got it.

    *@Casewell. I would point out to you that truth (as you and other lay persons may perceive it) can be a very dangerous defense. Allow me, respectfully, to educate you. What you consider to be “truth”, when it involves politics, may well be (almost invariably is) a statement of opinion, not “truth” as the law sees it. I would also like to point out that use of the defense of truth is a hazard – because, should you lose the case, you will have aggravated the defamation and will be facing considerably higher damages and costs. So do yourself a favour and be very sure of your grounds, because, unlike the rest of us, you use your real name. Just a word of warning.

  42. BAFBFP Avatar
    BAFBFP

    Ha ha Sargeant;

    The woman in the video was not interested in hindquarters, in fact she was not interested in me at all; what she was focused on was the full frontal genitalia, in which case it would have been easy for you like her to confuse me with the horse ….

    HA HA HA

  43. millertheanunnaki Avatar
    millertheanunnaki

    @ Amused | March 15, 2013 at 8:45 AM |
    “What you consider to be “truth”, when it involves politics, may well be (almost invariably is) a statement of opinion, not “truth” as the law sees it. I would also like to point out that use of the defense of truth is a hazard – because, should you lose the case, you will have aggravated the defamation and will be facing considerably higher damages and costs.”

    Just for clarification and enlightenment, Amused: Is Social Media recognised in the eyes of the law like say public platforms or the print or visual media?
    Can’t, say Caswell, argue that the so-called misleading “truth” was said or written by someone else pretending to Caswell?

    Wouldn’t David of BU or his equivalent be enjoined in such action?
    Are the current laws of Barbados that sophisticated to deal with such complex matters when there are people on remand for 4 years who can’t even get their day in court?

    Wouldn’t the Court hearing the matter have to import a consultant to provide such “new age’ evidence? Or would the onus be on Caswell or whomever to prove his or her innocence?

    Just asking?

  44. Caswell Franklyn Avatar
    Caswell Franklyn

    Amused

    The truth that I am talking about is the situation where someone did not make the list and political pressure was exerted to get a recommendation to make it look above board. Those who were forced are crying foul. Why the hell you think that they allowed that privileged information to reach me? They know that I would make the information public and keep their identities secret. I have done that: really don’t mind being used in that way. Keep it flowing.

  45. millertheanunnaki Avatar
    millertheanunnaki

    @ BAFBFP | March 15, 2013 at 8:58 AM |
    “it would have been easy for you like her to confuse me with the horse …”

    You wish!! In your dreams only, Baffy.

    That is one cock and bull story telling competition in which a gelded mini horse like you would never beat a thoroughbred donkey like the miller in that ‘cockhorse’ race.

    HA HA HA X 4 =LOLL!!

  46. BAFBFP Avatar
    BAFBFP

    Miller

    As I have surely tried to explain to you before, it is about t’ick and hardidity … Dis pole t’ing that you always on ’bout only mekking sense in your head hear. BTW, did I leave out functionality …? HA HA HA

  47. millertheanunnaki Avatar
    millertheanunnaki

    @ BAFBFP | March 15, 2013 at 9:42 AM |

    The miller came to that realization many moons ago and is now only bark and no bite. Ask ac!
    Sometimes the blessing of size can eventually end up as a curse.
    Like you, all he can do now is to keep stroking a ‘dead horse’ hoping for a day of resurrection that not even a Saviour called Viagra would offer. LOL!!
    Just ‘kidding’ around to impress the Bishop if not the Pope.

  48. BAFBFP Avatar
    BAFBFP

    You know Miller, (BTW FYI, U got many many years pun me hear, so feel free to speak on your OWN behalf) today we are concerned about the white smoke for the QC’s but I hear from a fella who hear from a fella that a certain Black Monsignor from Ba’bados t’ought that he had a chance at being a Pope too … HA HA HA

  49. Well Well Avatar
    Well Well

    Miller…….consider yourself blessed, the present pope in the vatican only has one lung, he has had it from very young.

  50. David Weekes Avatar
    David Weekes

    I have a bias towards ICT and, while I do not think that ICT is the solution for all things, i do think that it can address this QC issue as it relates to operational matters.

    The (perceived) delay in a man getting the QC title should not be as important as when some of the same people/lawyers, QC or no QC, not acting in the interests of their clients.

    I have no brief for PLANTATION DEEDS but I think that the time has come where the technology that exists in Barbados, much like that used by the various Credit Reporting Bureaus that exist here, should inform on a clearing house system for White Wigged lawyers.

    If there are credit records concerning my financial status that Courts and other business houses can access, for a fee, it is therefore possible that lawyers, and other professionals, should be listed, or blacklisted, too.

    I think that the time has come in Barbados where we have to “think outside of the box” and build appropriate systems to give us, the common man a voice.

    As i said at the beginning, i am biased and am in fact promoting another ICT product of mine here – the Consumer Rights Ombudsman System (CROS)

    CROS is an ICT web platform which some might say should be located at the Fair Trading Commission or the Office of the Ombudsman.

    It will perform three primary functions

    (i) Performance and Integrity Monitoring for Professionals
    (ii) “Due Diligence” Accreditation and
    (iii) Consumer Advocacy and Public Awareness facilitations

    CROS is really an ICT “interlocutor” between businesses and consumers, ensuring equitable exchange of services rendered and money paid.

    CROS will not provide any comparisons (or give preferences) say for example for a particular QCs or a specific lawyers but it will list their businesses’ adherence to (and consumers’ observance of) ethical business practices, their efficiency in offering a service, and their practices and utilization of industry standards.

    If, like the Credit Bureau you get a C+ for your closing ratios, then John Public will know that he or she should not come to you if they want to sell their house in a hurry.

    Under “Performance and Integrity Monitoring” for Businesses merchandisers, landlords, lawyers, doctors, contractors non-paying tenants, would find their performances and business’s track record listed so that the average Bajan could find out how QC X is regarded in his/her delivering services to the general public.

    C.R.O.S is “Integrity Legislation with real teeth” for the general public.

    It gives the public access to a business’ ethics and professionalism ratings and a list of their dealings with the public.

    Please do not forget that I am just an ICT consultant looking for work for my several patents.

    I have no axe to grind against anyone QC or no QC regarding my CARICOM case that has been in court for 6 years (LOL)

    Truthfully, I dont really care who has a QC behind their name, all most of us Bajans want is to know is who is a good lawyer, doctor, contractor and not to find ourselves in the hands of a lawyer who steals your aunt’s estate, a quack doctor who operates on you for an appendix that was taken out when you were 5, 25 years ago, or a contractor who does not put in the mile steel every two feet in your house but takes it home to use on another job or sells it

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