est. 2007

Barbados Underground

Bringing News and Opinions to the People

LAWYERS in the NEWS

David
2 minutes

No single profession attracts the ire of Barbadians like lawyers. On a daily basis For example, we often hear complaints about lawyers taking unreasonably long periods of time to transfer monies from clients accounts to their clients. The complaints come from Barbadians living overseas  who having entrusted life long savings (pensions) to lawyers to settle various transactions in absentia or Barbadians on the rock who have no choice but to take on the stress of the legal system to process routine transactions.

The Bar Association (BA) has done little to assuage the concerns by Barbadians that it is an efficient self regulating body.  Suggestions to include ordinary folks on the BA’s Disciplinary Committee has not met with a favourable response. There is a sense lawyers and by extension the legal system has the country in a vice grip headlock.    Where are ordinary citizens to turn for justice if the Court System, its trusted officers (lawyers) and the BA continue to NOT satisfactorily resolve concerns from citizenry?

BU accepts bad apples are to be found in all professions – doctors, engineers, construction class, bankers and the list is very long. However, what cannot be denied is the ‘omnipresence’ nature of the legal profession on our little society. What cannot be denies is the right of Barbadians to assign priority to issues affecting them as they think fit.  The time for citizens, ordinary and others, to fight back.

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  1. The objective of  BU LAWYERS in the NEWS page is to highlight reports of interest to the public about the activities of Barbados based lawyers.
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320 responses to “LAWYERS in the NEWS”

  1. David Avatar
    David

    Michael Simmons

    “ Simmons back after 18 years ”

    michaelsimmons

    EMBATTLED ATTORNEY-AT-LAW Michael Simmons returned to Barbados on the weekend. Simmons, who left Barbados 18 years ago for the United States, was among mourners paying last respects yesterday to his sister Letitia Simmons – a former nurse – at her funeral at the Whitehall Methodist Church in St Michael. It was Simmons’ first public appearance in Barbados since he reportedly left behind a $2.5 million-plus debt to 47 creditors, after being declared bankrupt by former High Court judge Justice Elliott Belgrave in January 1993. The attorney is also reported to have owed the Barbados National Bank (BNB) and Government’s Inland Revenue Department several thousands of dollars. A warrant for his arrest for fraudulently converting over $90 000 entrusted to him had been withdrawn after the sum was paid, but shortly after his disappearance, then police public relation’s officer Inspector Jeddar Robinson had indicated Simmons was being sought by lawmen for questioning in connection with a number of other criminal matters they were investigating. No warrants were outstanding at the time. However, the High Court in his absence had also granted an application for his committal to prison following a suit brought against him by one of his clients. Efforts to reach Director of Public Prosecutions Charles Leacock for comment on Simmons’ status proved futile yesterday. When contacted, Commissioner of Police Darwin Dottin said the matter had been drawn to his attention and he had asked for a review of the file. Former Solicitor General Woodbine Davis, who had been appointed official assignee and receiver in his investigation of Simmons, had publicly declared there had been little chance of recovering the $2.5 million debt left behind. He then also reported recovering approximately 110 files and title deeds which had belonged to Simmons’ clients both in Barbados and overseas.

  2. David Avatar
    David

    Laureen Clothilda Waterman

     

    Lawyer charged with theft of $410 000

    Date

    September 12, 2006

    Attorney-at-law Laureen Clothilda Waterman has been charged with stealing more than $400 000, the amount resulting from a transaction between a bank and the National Housing Corporation (NHC).

    The 62-year-old woman,

    ATTORNEY-AT-LAW Laureen Clothilda Waterman has been charged with stealing more than $400 000, the amount resulting from a transaction between a bank and the National Housing Corporation (NHC).

    The 62-year-old woman, of Charlesville, My Lord’s Hill, St Michael, appeared in court on Saturday before Magistrate Deborah Holder.

    Waterman is charged with stealing $411 000, the proceeds of a Royal Bank of Canada cheque that belonged to the NHC between May 30 and June 10, 2005.

    She was released on $300 000 bail to return to court on October 11.

  3. David Avatar
    David

    Mark Winston Goodridge

    Two charged

    Date

    October 18, 2006

    mark_goodgridge

    by TIM SLINGER

    A 53-YEAR-OLD ATTORNEY-AT-LAW and his son will appear in District "A" Magistrates’ Court this morning, charged in connection with the beating of a 15-year-old boy in Highgate Gardens, St Michael, on October 6.

    Mark Winston Goodridge, of Cattlewash, St Joseph, and 23-year-old Simon Mark Goodridge, a businessman, of No. 1, Highgate Park, St Michael, are jointly charged with causing serious bodily harm to the youngster.

    The senior Goodridge will also face three other charges: incitement to racial hatred, assault and discharging a firearm within 100 yards of the highway.

    The charges are:

    * On October 6, 2006, Mark Winston Goodridge and Simon Mark Goodridge did cause serious bodily harm to a 15-year-old juvenile with intent to maim, disfigure or disable him, or to do some serious bodily harm to the said juvenile;

    * On October 6, 2006, Mark Winston Goodridge unlawfully discharged a firearm on Highgate Park Road, a public road;

    * On October 6, 2006, Mark Winston Goodridge, on Highgate Park Road, a public place, used insulting words, to wit, "You black nigger" to a 15-year-old juvenile which may reasonably be interpreted as likely to stir up, or to be capable of strirring up hatred against any section of the public in Barbados, distinguished by colour, race or creed;

    * On October 6, 2006, Mark Winston Goodridge did unlawfully assault

    a 15-year-old juvenile.

    Shortly after 10 a.m. yesterday, attorneys Sir Richard Cheltenham, QC, and Hal Gollop, accompanied the Goodridges to Hastings Police Station in Christ Church, after police had issued a public notice on Sunday, asking the two to contact the nearest police station for questioning on the matter.

    The attorneys sat throughout yesterday’s police investigations as both men were questioned about the October 6 incident.

    Following the charges last night, both men were refused bail and confined to the cells at Central Police Station.

    The Highgate Gardens incident was reopened over the weekend after the SATURDAY SUN published a story and photograph of the youngster with a bruised and swollen face.

    The boy, who is on remand at the Government Industrial School, was charged with unlawful possession of a pair of scissors, while a charge of trespassing was dismissed by a Bridgetown magistrate.

    timslinger@nationnews.com

  4. David Avatar
    David

    Ernest Winston Jackman

    [caption id="attachment_45233" align="alignleft" width="207"]Ernest Jackman Ernest Jackman was charged in 2008 for messing with clients monies[/caption]

    … Ernest Winston Jackman, 53, of Wiltshire Plantation House, St. Philip, appeared in court accused of stealing more than $1 million from two clients who were selling upmarket properties.

    Jackman was not required to plead to stealing $678 414, which belonged to HEJ Ltd. between June 23, 2006, and March 5, 2007 and $367 085, which was part of the proceeds of a Barbados National Bank cheque in the amount of $560 437, belonging to Foster Belle and payable to himself.

    Jackman is on $250 000 bail and must present himself to lawmen at District “C” Police Station twice a week. His passport was also confiscated.

    Nation newspaper link: http://barpublish.bits.baseview.com/story/292805401379920.php

  5. David Avatar
    David

    Therold Fields

    $700 000 theft charge

    Published on: 9/18/08.

    Attorney Therold Fields accused of theft. (Photo by Heather-Lynn Evanson)

    FOR THE second time in two weeks, a lawyer has appeared before the law court accused of stealing his clients’ money.

    This time, the attorney is Therold O’Neal Fields, who has been charged with stealing nearly $700 000 in money from three clients in a two-year span.

    Fields, 36, of No. 132, Warners Park, Christ Church, is now on $500 000 bail and was ordered to give up his travel documents before he was allowed to leave the District "A" Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

    Fields was not required to plead to stealing $5 000, between April 11, 2006 and August 22, 2008, belonging to Patricia Simpson of Catford, London, England; stealing £20 000, equivalent to Bds $78 800, between May 15, 2006 and August 22, 2008, and £112 000 equivalent to Bds $441 280, between November 27, 2006 and August 22, 2008, belonging to the same woman.

    The attorney is also charged with stealing $5 000 belonging to Jay E Dee Investment Ltd, between March 12 and August 14, 2007, and $167 146 belonging to Stephen Robertson, between September 19, 2007 and July 25, 2008.

    He was also ordered by Magistrate Pamela Beckles, to report to Central Police Station every Wednesday until his next court appearance on November 12.

    Nation Link: http://barpublish.bits.baseview.com/story/292805401379920.php

  6. David Avatar
    David

    David Bryan

    Monies repaid, fraud case dropped

    rhondathompson, rhondathompson@nationnews.com

    Added 01 September 2010

    davidbryan

    THE ATTORNEY-AT-LAW charged in connection with the theft of over $226 000 had the matters withdrawn yesterday after the monies he was accused of stealing were repaid. Alvin David Bryan, 41, of Rose Drive, Wanstead Heights, St. Michael, who appeared in the District “A” Magistrates’ Court, was not required to plead to stealing $61 950.01, between May 26 and August 13, this year, being the proceeds of a Barbados National Bank cheque, payable to A David Bryan for $123 345.86, and belonging to Georgia Broome. He was also not required to plead to stealing $165 000, belonging to John Jones, between February 19 and July 2, this year. Complainant Broome, who was in court, testified that while she had made a report to police and knew that the attorney had been charged, she was now no longer interested in proceeding with the matter. Meanwhile, attorney Bryan Weekes of the firm Weekes, Kissoon & Deane, said he had received instructions from his client John Jones and, as a result of “certain developments in the matter, he was is no longer minded to proceed with the matter”. Weekes further explained the reason his client was not in court was because he was in France, where he lived. Prosecutor Sergeant Trenton Small then informed the court the prosecution would not be proceeding with the matters and Acting Magistrate Manilla Renée dismissed them.

    – See more at: http://www.nationnews.com/nationnews/news/30622/monies-repaid-fraud-dropped#sthash.mFEknk7S.dpuf

  7. David Avatar
    David

    Cheraine Parris

    Accused lawyer hidden

    rhondathompson, rhondathompson@nationnews.com

    Added 17 September 2010

    LAWYERS hid one of their own who had just appeared on a theft charge in the Bridgetown Traffic Court yesterday. Cheraine Parris, 36, of No. 2 Lowlands, Christ Church, was shielded by three attorneys, who escorted her to her car. She left through the back of the Traffic Court and exited Court No. 2 of the District “A” Magistrates’ Court. Her car was idling in front of that court and the lawyers escorted her until she got into the car and drove off. The attorney had been charged with stealing $462 000 – the proceeds of a Bank of Nova Scotia cheque which was payable to her but belonged to Ashleigh Morrison – between April 15 and August 20 this year. She was not required to plead to the indictable charge. There was no objection to bail and Magistrate Christopher Birch released her on $400 000 bail with four sureties. The magistrate ordered her to report to Oistins Police Station every Monday, Wednesday and Friday by 9:30 a.m. and confiscated her passport. The accused reappears in court on September 22. (HLE)

    http://www.nationnews.com/nationnews/news/7777/accused-lawyer-hidden

  8. David Avatar
    David

    Joseph H. Serrant

    (please email a picture if available)

    Submitted by Artaxerxes

    I know of a case involving a man who received injuries as a result of being involved in an accident in Mapp Hill on November 12, 2002. He retained the services of attorney-at-law, Mr. Joseph H. Serrant, of N. Keith Simmons & Co., James Fort building, Hincks Street, Bridgetown, to act on his behalf. In 2009, it was agreed between the parties involved that the insurer, Insurance Corporation of Barbados [ICB], would pay him the sum of $12,173.78 ($14,000.00 less legal fees calculated at 12.5% plus value added tax [VAT]).

    After making enquires about his settlement, he was informed that two cheques were issued to the attorney, Serrant, one which represented the payment of $12,173.78 to him, and the other for payment of legal fees to Serrant.

    When contacted about the payment he received on the client’s behalf, Serrant admitted that he had made representation on behalf of the client so that the payments would be forwarded directly to him. The reason he gave for his action was that the 12.5% he received from the settlement was insufficient for his services and he was demanding a further payment of $6,000.00. He further informed the client that he would be withholding the cheque until he is paid the $6,000.00.

    After learning the client sought the assistance of the police, Serrant returned the cheque to ICB and sought the services of the court to place a “stop payment” on the cheque, under the grounds that the client owed him $6,000.00. He subsequently filed a writ of Settlement of 1225 of 2004, (Exhibit JH52) on October 26, 2010 in the Supreme Court of Judicature – Civil Jurisdiction, claiming the sum of $10,251.63 from ICB as bill of cost for legal business performed on the client’s behalf, so that the company would pay the amount from the accident claim directly to him.

    This guy wrote letters to the past and present presidents of the Bar Association, the Ombudsman, then and present Chief Justices, Sir David Simmons and Marston Gibson respectively, and received no favourable response. The few lawyer with whom he discussed the situation, said he had a good case, but none of them were willing to pursue the matter.

    It was unreasonable for Serrant to demand a further payment of $10,251.63 out of $12,173.78, leaving a balance of $1,922.15m when he suffered no pain. But what was more unreasonable is the fact, in the itemization of the services performed in his claim of the $10,251.63 Serrant listed a charge of $800 for telephone calls he made in relation to the case.

    This guy is poor and does not have the financial means to seek legal redress as was done by Griffiths, and had no choice to forfeit the money.

    And this man, Serrant, can be seen on the Bridge offering the “Watch Tower” and “Awake” to passersby.

  9. David Avatar
    David

    Leroy N. Lynch

    Lawyer up for 28 days

    Heather-lynn Evanson,

    Added 15 March 2011

     

    law

    Bring proof of ownership. That was the advice given by Acting Magistrate Manila Renée to money laundering and theft accused, attorney Leroy N. Lynch, his lawyer and those who indicated an interest in signing Lynch’s bail, when they all reappeared in the District “A” Magistrates’ Court yesterday. “This will not be a case where persons come into the (witness stand) and swear ‘yes, I own property’. This will be more than that. I require proof of ownership of property and the court will be sending out  documents that there is something against those properties (which were put up as surety),” the Acting Magistrate stressed. And once again, because those sureties failed to satisfy the court’s requirements,  Lynch was remanded, this time for the full 28 days. Lynch, 61, of Martindales Road, St Michael, was back before Acting Magistrate Renée after spending the weekend on remand at HMP Dodds. 

  10. David Avatar
    David

    VONDA PILE

    Lawyer faces fraud charges

    luigimarshall, luigimarshall@nationnews.com

    Added 22 July 2011

     

    vondapilearrested

    ATTORNEY VONDA PILE was placed on $500 000 bail and  ordered to report weekly to Central Police Station, yesterday when she appeared before the District “A” Magistrates’ Court on four charges, including two of money laundering. Pile, 48, of Madison Terrace, Deacons Farm, St Michael, was not required to plead to stealing US$96 008 belonging to Anstie King, between April 29, 2009, and October 26, 2010. In addition, she was charged with stealing $205 481, between January 11, 2007 and March 16, this year, being the proceeds of a Royal Bank of Canada cheque payable to Patricia Hall. Pile also faces two counts of engaging in money laundering, that she disposed of the sums US$96 008 and $205 481, being the proceeds of crime, ie: that is theft of money. Prosecutor Inspector Trevor Blackman did not object to Pile being released on bail, but urged the court to impose strict conditions and asked that the surety be “in a substantial sum”. He petitioned the court to confiscate Pile’s passport and to make her report to the police station nearest to her. Acting Chief Magistrate Deborah Holder released Pile on $500 000 bail with one surety; ordered her to surrender her travel documents and to report to Central Police Station every Monday between 8 a.m. and midday. Pile returns to court on December 8. (HLE)

  11. David Avatar
    David

    Philip Vernon Nicholls

    $200,000 bail for lawyer

    Added by Barbados Today on October 30, 2013.

    Saved under Local News

    Eer8sM-page

    Prominent attorney at law Philip Vernon Nicholls has been released on $200,000 bail, after appearing in the District “A” Magistrates’ Court today to answer charges of theft and the laundering of more than $500,000.

    Police public relations officer Inspector David Welch said the 53-year-old former secretary of the Barbados Cricket Association, who was granted bail with two sureties, is to return to court on February 25.

    Nicholls, who resides at Dover Mews, Dover, Christ Church, was arrested by members of the Fraud Squad and charged with the two offences earlier this week. (RG)

  12. David Avatar
    David

    Marlon Gordon

    [caption id="attachment_45237" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Marlon Gordon Marlon Gordon[/caption]

    Lawyer charged again

    Added 04 November 2014

    ATTORNEY AT LAW Marlon Gordon has been charged again by police.

    He will appear at the District “B” Magistrates Court today to answer two charges involving fear of violence and assault on a female. The offences allegedly occurred last Saturday at Glen Acres, St George.

    Gordon 44, went to the District “B” Court yesterday but reported to the magistrate that he was not feeling well. The matter was adjourned until this morning without the charges being read.

    On September 2, Gordon appeared at the District “A” Magistrates Court where he pleaded not guilty to five charges involving assaulting and resisting police officers; using insulting language and occasioning actual bodily harm. (MB)

  13. David Avatar
    David

    Richard Byer

    Richard Byer charged Harrison’s Cave $766,855.24 fee

    Personal attacks and verbal abuse at the highest level, the resignation of a chairman and “exhorbitant” attorney fees that caused two Cabinet Ministers to intervene are among a list of nagging problems uncovered at Caves of Barbados Limited (CBL) over the past four years alone.

    Investigations by Barbados TODAY have revealed that CBL, which operates Harrison’s Cave at Welchman Hall, St Thomas, had been marred by internal tensions and deep divisions between Haldene T. Dottin, who resigned as chairman in July 2011, and Joe-ann Grant, who was recently fired from the post of chief executive officer.

    Grant, who has since referred her dismissal to her lawyers and is preparing to bring legal action, had also been the thorn in the side of CBL’s attorney-at-law Richard Byer for questioning and delaying payment of a $766,855.24 fee he charged for providing a legal opinion on a $25.7 million loan from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) to finance the cave’s redevelopment.

    http://www.barbadostoday.bb/2014/11/20/cave-lows/

  14. David Avatar
    David

    Michael Carrington

    Speaker of the House Michael Carrington Matter Referred to the Committee of Privileges

  15. David Avatar
    David

    Gregory Nicholls

     

    Attorney taken to court for $9 500

    Added 29 January 2015

    gregorynicholls

    Gregory Nicholls (FP)

     

    A CIVIL CASE has been filed against attorney Gregory Nicholls, allegedly for $9 500 owed.

     

    According to court documents, Nicholas Alleyne, of Callender’s Crescent, Christ Church, lent $15 000 on February 21, 2013, to Nicholls, and the attorney verbally agreed to repay the sum in two weeks.

    The civil matter, filed in the District “A” Magistrates’ Court, detailed that the money was lent to Nicholls at Deacons Main Road, St Michael, on the same date of the last general election.

    The attorney contested that poll as a candidate for the St Michael North West constituency for the Barbados Labour Party. (SP)

    Please read the full story in today’s Daily Nation, or in the eNATION edition.

  16. David Avatar
    David

    Late Prime Minister and Attorney for Leroy Parris and CLICO David Thompson

    [caption id="attachment_12968" align="alignleft" width="226"]The Late Hon Prime Minister David Thompson The Late Hon Prime Minister David Thompson[/caption]

    The affidavit filed by the Judicial Manager states Thompson allegedly agreed to produce a false invoice to support a payment of 3.3 million dollars to Parris. Based on the foregoing we have to induct the late Prime Minister David Thompson into the Lawyers in the News BU page.

     

    CLICO move

    SANKA PRICE,

    Added 01 February 2015

    leroyparrisclico

    Leroy Parris

    A HIGH COURT ACTION has been started by Clico International Life (Clico) through its judicial manager Deloitte Consulting Limited, to recover $3.333 million from Leroy Parris, Branlee Consulting Services and the estate of late Prime Minister David Thompson.

    Related articles

    The claim form, 99/2015, was filed on Thursday. It says that Parris and Branlee, both of Dayrells Heights, St Michael, and the estate of Thompson, represented by his widow, Mara, should account to Clico for that money.

    Parris is the former chairman of Clico International Life Insurance Limited and Clico Holdings Barbados Limited (CHBL), while David Thompson was the attorney for the company.

    According to the filed statement of the claim, Clico International Life Insurance Limited is alleging that on January 16, 2009, Parris “in breach of fiduciary duty and/or in breach of trust” procured a Clico cheque, number 92, in the amount of $3 333 000 to Thompson & Associates.

    Please read the full story in today’s Sunday Sun, or in the eNATION edition.

  17. David Avatar
    David

    Vonda Pile

    Land row

    Yet another attorney-at-law is in legal hot water with a former client.Vonda Pile, who is already facing four criminal fraud charges including money laundering, is expected to appear in the High Court next month to defend a civil suit against her…
    Barbados Today
  18. David Avatar
    David

    Hal Gollop, QC and Vernon Smith, QC

    LEGAL KNOCKS

    CCJ criticizes Judiciary and lawyers for excessive delays

    Added by Emmanuel Joseph on February 14, 2015.

    Saved under Judicial, Local News

    Accusing the judiciary in Barbados of not delivering justice in a timely manner, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has strongly condemned the local courts’ “excessive and inordinate” delays in resolving cases.

    But the Trinidad-based court reserved even harsher words for prominent Barbadian Queen’s Counsels Vernon Smith and Hal Gollop as well as their associate Steve Gollop, charging them with abusing the judicial process.

    Hal Gollop, QC

    Hal Gollop, QC

    vernonsmithandcecilmccarthy

    Vernon Smith, QC

    Those criticisms were leveled by CCJ president Justice Sir Dennis Byron yesterday, in a judgment in which the regional court dismissed a case brought by the three lawyers. The case surrounded a land deal that went sour and was brought by Smith, Gollop and Gollop on behalf of land developer Systems Sales Ltd, against Arletta Brown-Oxley, the executrix of the estate of now deceased Glenfield DaCosta Suttle and his widow Sonja Patsena Suttle.

    On January 12, 2015, the legal team filed an application asking the CCJ to give them time to file a notice of appeal against earlier decisions of the High Court and the Court of Appeal in Barbados which went in favour of the Suttles.

    In November last year, the CCJ delivered a similar ruling in this matter, but it was later refiled by the lawyers who protested that the judgment was published in the media before being communicated to the litigants and their legal representatives.

    http://www.barbadostoday.bb/2015/02/14/legal-knocks/

  19. David Avatar
    David

    Lawyer given Tuesday deadline" on page 7 of the SATURDAY SUN dated March 07, 2015

    IF ATTORNEY THEROLD FIELDS doesn’t turn up at the District "A" Criminal Court 2 by Tuesday, a warrant may be issued for his arrest.

    Acting Magistrate Alliston Seale said yesterday he would issue the warrant after Fields sent a letter to the court stating that he was undergoing medical tests and could not appear."

    "There cannot be one law for the Medes and another for the Persians," Seale told the court, adding that he would not be currying favour with or for anyone but would live up to his mandate to provide justice for all.

  20. David Avatar
    David

    Update!

    Therold Fields disbarred

    Coastline Communication,

    Added 15 April 2015

    070914theroldfields

    Therold Fields. (FP)

    THE NAME of Therold Oneal Fields has been struck from the roll of attorneys in Barbados.

    This decision was made by the Court of Appeal today, as the court also ordered him to pay $601 000 with interest of eight per cent to his former client, Patricia Simpson, who had hired him in 2008 in relation to the purchase of land at Gibbons in Christ Church.

    The ruling, read by Chief Justice Sir Marston Gibson on a three-judge panel that included Justices of Appeal Sherman Moore and Sandra Mason, was heard by several lawyers seated in the Supreme Court No. 1, including Fields himself and his attorney Debra Gooding.

    The judges, in their 80-minute judgement, found that Fields had "displayed neither penitence nor contrition" in the matter which had gone before the disciplinary committee of the Bar Association, and that he had sought to blame junior attorneys and a secretary in his office regarding Simpson’s three deposits of £120 000, £20 000 and BDS$5 000.

    Attorneys appearing in the matter yesterday included Marguerite Woodstock-Riley, QC, chairman of the Bar Association’s disciplinary committee; Donna Brathwaite, QC, for the Attorney General’s office; Barry Gale, QC, amicus curiae from the Bar Association, and Simpson’s attorney Philip Pilgrim. (Coastline Communication)

    – See more at: http://www.nationnews.com/nationnews/news/66231/attorney-therold-fields-disbarred#sthash.ifxOTt9R.dpuf

  21. David Avatar
    David

    Margot Greene

    Attorney-at-law Margot Greene in the News, Aided by Tariq Khan and Woodstock-Riley

    by David on February 14, 2016 in Barbados News Edit

    Probate is the procedure by which a will is approved by the Court as the valid and last will of a deceased testator (the person who made the will). It also confirms the appointment of the person named as executor in the will – Probate of the Will – Public Legal Information Service of New […]

    51 Comments • Continue Reading →

  22. David Avatar
    David

    Lawyer granted $50 000 bail

    Added by Barbados Today on March 8, 2016.

    Saved under Local News

    DSC_3129

    Allison Helen Alexander (right) making her way from court today

    A lawyer accused of stealing over $150, 000 from a client was granted bail when she appeared in the District ‘A’ Magistrates Court today.

    Trinidadian Allison Helen Alexander, 40, of #140 Breezy Hill, Halton, St Philip, denied stealing $165, 543.88 in money belonging to Cecil Marshall sometime between July 31 and September 7, 2015.

    There was no objection to bail by the prosecution, so Magistrate Douglas Frederick released her on $50,000 bail with two sureties and ordered her to return to court on June 7.

  23. David Avatar
    David

    Carrington steals and was allowed to repay without penalty BUT…

    Suspended!

    One attorney disciplined; another to face charges

    Added by Emmanuel Joseph on May 9, 2017.

    Saved under Judicial, Local News

    4

    A 41-year-old female attorney-at-law was Tuesday suspended from practising law in Barbados for 18 months, after she was found guilty of professional misconduct.

    Tuesday, the Court of Appeal handed down the decision against Allison Helen Alexander-Lovell of No. 140 Breezy Hill, Halton, St Philip, who was released on $50,000 bail with two sureties in March last year on a charge of stealing $165,543.88 belonging to Cecil Marshall between July 30 and September 7, 2015.

     

    Allison Helen Alexander-Lovell

    The charges against Alexander-Lovell, who was admitted to the Bar in 2004 and specializes in civil litigation, conveyancing, trusts, probate and administration of estates, stem from a complaint brought by one of her clients which became the subject of an internal investigation by the Disciplinary Committee of Bar Association of Barbados.

    “The disciplinary committee [of the Bar] found that a proper case was made out,” President Liesel Weekes told Barbados TODAY.

    However, she said even though the disciplinary committee had recommended that Alexander-Lovell be suspended for no less than one year, “the Court of Appeal felt that the nature of the offence was such that she should be suspended for a further period [18 months] . . . which may or may not be extended in the event that certain conditions are not met”.

    In the meantime, another female attorney, who has found herself in legal hot water also appeared before the Court of Appeal this morning.

    However, the disciplinary case brought against Joyce Griffith did not get off the ground since Griffith was not only reportedly unwell, but showed up without legal counsel.

    “The court gave her an opportunity to find representation and that matter was adjourned until June 29,” Weekes told Barbados TODAY.

    Back in February 2013, a woman who gave her name as Ordeen Broomes and her residence as New York, posted a complaint on Facebook against Griffith, who was admitted to the Bar in 1977 and specializes in estate Law, succession, conveyancing, wills, trusts and civil litigation.

    However, the matter involving Griffith, who along with Alexander-Lovell appeared before the Court of Appeal in June last year accused of withholding thousands of dollars from their clients, was adjourned.

    emmanueljoseph@barbadostoday.bb

     

  24. David Avatar
    David

    No worries

    Article by
    Emmanuel Joseph
    Published on
    August 10, 2018

    George Payne, M.P, St. Andrew

    Questions continue to swirl around a contentious land deal involving Attorney General Dale Marshall and Minister of Housing, Lands and Rural Development George Payne, despite a clarification yesterday by Marshall.

    At issue is a strip of land at Weston, St James, which a woman with the Facebook moniker, Jackie Stewart, and who describes herself as the daughter of the apparent property owner, said was willed to her mother by Stewart’s grandmother.

    The woman, who lives abroad with her mother, has been posting videos on Facebook, levelling certain allegations against Marshall and Payne, both of whom were involved in the land deal case when they were in private legal practice.

    Barbados TODAY will not publish the details of the allegations because of the damaging nature of these charges.

    However, while she did not give her name, Stewart’s mother joined her on the videos last July 5 to affirm the claims and criticisms against the two Queen’s Counsels in their handling of the case.

    But during a press briefing at Government Headquarters yesterday to address the issue of corruption against the backdrop of last week’s indictment by a United States grand jury of former Minister of Internatioal Business Donville Inniss on conspiracy to launder US$36,000 in bribes, Marshall shot down the charges.

    Attorney General Dale Marshall

    “I would say to you that while I do not know the lady . . . from my own involvement in a particular case, I am aware that a matter involving her mother was filed in the High Court of Barbados and I represented the other individual, the defendant, and we won the case,” the Member of Parliament for St Joseph said.

    “And, therefore, having the blessings of the court decision, as far as I am concerned, there is absolutely nothing that either myself or the firm which I used to be associated with has to be concerned about.”

    Still, Marshall suggested he was not about to take the public allegations lying down, stating he intended to sue Stewart for tarnishing his professional reputation.

    However, he said it would not be easy, because of the challenges involved in tracking down the woman.

    “We have tried to instruct attorneys, we have engaged Facebook on the matter and I think Facebook has acted. But the problem as you well know with social media is the anonymity involved. We only know the lady’s name cause she has said it. But in order to engage in a legal process to defend my own reputation, the reputation of my professional colleagues and the reputation as a whole of the legal profession, we have to find her in order to bring an action against her.

    “I am satisfied though, that the reputation of the professionals involved will sustain any criticisms made by the lady,” Marshall said.

    However, in a video response posted on Facebook today, Stewart, who was again joined by someone believed to be her mother, laced into the local attorney, describing his comment as a “ fiasco” and, wrongly, charging that the attorney general had claimed he had sued her and her mum.

    “I could only say it’s a fiasco because unfortunately, I had the distasteful . . . [displeasure] to see Dale Marshall yesterday make out that me and my mother are liars and that he had a case and that he went to court, and he won . . . Dale Marshall, you never ever had a case. We were taking you and George Payne to court . . . not you taking us to court,” an emotional Stewart said.

    She also made charges that called into question the integrity of the local court and the justice system, while claiming her family never had their day in court.

    emmanueljoseph@barbadostoday.bb

  25. David Avatar
    David

    Illegal Company (IFL Pipeline Inc) Invoiced BWA 3.4 Million Dollars
    Posted on August 22, 2018 by David 156 comments

    [Barbados Underground] On the 16 August, 2018 Barbados Underground (BU) published the blog – Was Michael Carrington VAT Registered When he Invoiced the BIDC 706 thousand dollars?. The article also included a concern by the blogmaster about a 1.5 million dollar invoice submitted by Hal Gollop to the Barbados Water Authority (BWA) for services rendered. If we wanted to hammer home
    Read more

  26. David Avatar
    David

    Disbarred

    BARRY ALLEYNE, barryalleyne@nationnews.com

    Added 02 February 2019

    justice0444-450x303

    Attorney-at-law Joyce Griffith has been disbarred. The decision of the Court of Appeal was handed down on January 30, ruling that Griffith was guilty of misappropriating the proceeds from a sale of property for a client.

    No money had been paid to the client more than five years and evidence showed it was used to pay medical bills.

    In addition, the court ruled that Griffith must pay $128 770 along with interest at a rate of six per cent per annum, dating back to August 2012, plus costs.

    Griffith had been engaged by Ordeen Bishop-Broomes to act for her in the sale of property situated at Holetown, St James for $300 000. The sale was completed, and the complainant’s brother, who was jointly entitled to the proceeds of the sale, received $128 778.70 representing his net share of the proceeds. Bishop-Broomes discovered that her brother had been paid whilst she had not. (BA)

    Subscribe now to our eNATION edition for the full story.

    For the latest stories and breaking news updates download the Nationnews apps for iOS and Android.

  27. David Avatar
    David

    Delay over
    Article by
    Fernella Wedderburn
    Published on
    May 10, 2019

    One of the Crown’s leading prosecutors has warned that there will be “no special treatment for anybody” – including fellow members of the Bar – when it comes to criminal matters before the court.

    Principal Crown Counsel Alliston Seale made the declaration as a theft and money-laundering case against attorney-at-law Cheraine Nicole Parris came up for hearing once again before Justice Randall Worrell in the No. 2 Supreme Court this afternoon.

    The top prosecutor made it clear that the “generous” number of adjournments given in the case was not sitting well with him, as certain undertakings made by the accused Parris had not been honoured.

    Principal Crown Counsel Seale said: “I was informed that notwithstanding the generous amounts of adjournments, nothing has been done.

    “This is a worrying situation because I do not want it to be said that there is in Barbados a law for the Medes and a law for the Persians; in that we bend over backward when there are attorneys… charged before the court for criminal offences and we allow the matter to stay in abeyance because we do not act with any urgency because they are one of ours.

    “I can’t have that be said about the Department of Public Prosecutions which I represent…. “Because we believe in justice for all. This is our mantra and there is no special treatment for anybody.”

    Parris is accused of stealing $302,000 from Ashleigh Morrison between April 15 and August 16, 2010. The Crown further alleges that she engaged in money laundering by conducting a series of transactions in moving the cash, being the proceeds of crime.

    Seale said: “We do realise in some cases it is better for a complainant to be restored in their original position than have an accused person sit in prison and being fed with taxpayers money when the complainant can at least be compensated and put themselves back on sound footing.”

    He pulled no punches in stating that he believed that the accused lawyer was “playing the system” by gaining the adjournments and that this would not be allowed to continue as it was not fair to the complainant.

    Seale added: “You have put her in a position where she is almost a pauper and that can not be fair and all she wants is her money back, that is what she has said. But we are now in a position where I believe that the accused is playing the system and
    I am going to be very frank and I told her so”

    He revealed that at one point complainant Morrison, who was present in court, was very ill and was still recovering.

    “And every time this matter comes up the accused says to the court ‘I am going to make amends’ and kicks the can further down the road. ‘I am going to make amends’ and every person in this whole scenario has bent over backwards.

    “Myself and the court have given her relatively long adjournments so that we can get this matter settled not because of any special favour for her but because at the end of the day a complainant does not benefit when their money is gone and they have to pay taxes to keep this person in prison.”

    Making it clear that the time for adjournments was over, prosecutor Seale requested that the judge set a date for the trial to begin.

    “This is a woman who by ordinary standards was not wealthy but saving her money and now she is placed in a position of impecuniosity. That cannot be fair and I am not caring about who you are… a man that is wronged should have his day in court and all I will say is I want this matter set for trial.”

    When Judge Worrell addressed Parris on what Seale had said, she responded: “I listened carefully.” He also informed her that the case, which he said had been before the court since 2017, would go to trial on September 23.
    fernellawedderburn@barbadostoday.bb

  28. Piece the Legend Avatar
    Piece the Legend

    Put up a poll on that last submission and ask people if they think that the way the defendant who is a lawyer is being treated is representative of how poor people are being treated

    A simple yes or no and a subjective list permitting them to choose if they think it is fair etc

  29. Hants Avatar
    Hants

    I have very strong feelings about this case but will refrain from expressing them.

    Take note.

    “Seale added: “You have put her in a position where she is almost a pauper and that can not be fair and all she wants is her money back, that is what she has said.”

    “He revealed that at one point complainant Morrison, who was present in court, was very ill and was still recovering.”

    ““This is a woman who by ordinary standards was not wealthy but saving her money and now she is placed in a position of impecuniosity.”

    The Lawyer should have to give the lady her money and spend 10 years in jail.

    Just think of the mental anguish the lady suffered as a result of the actions of the Lawyer.

  30. Fractured BLP Avatar
    Fractured BLP

    Hants

    Would you recommend imprisonment as well for Mia Mottley for the ” Mental Anguish ” she has caused / causing for :

    Pensioners ?

    Holders of Treasury Bills ?

    Holders of Reslife policy holders ?

    Foreign Bond holders ?

    Just asking

  31. Hal Austin Avatar
    Hal Austin

    May I suggest that one way of dealing with rogue lawyers is not through the bar’s disciplinary system, but visiting them at home and talking to them.

  32. Piece the Legend Avatar
    Piece the Legend

    @ Mr. Hal Austin

    Lawyers generally have Chambers.

    Lawyers generally have office hours when they will meet with clients

    What are you suggesting here for those clients who have contentious matters before the Disciplinary Committee?

    Are you of the opinion that a visit to their homes 🏡 after office hours, to discuss these matters contentious, may be more effective in resolving the issue that going to their Chambers?

    If one did not know you to be a man of strict morals one would be inclined to think that you are promoting “malice aforethought”

    Such though is reserved for seditionists and treasonous hand High Treason men like that fellow Piece uh De Rock Yeah Right whose visual moniker is similar to my own.

    I have to change that though lest we be considered to be the same person heheheheh

  33. SirSimpleSimonPresidentForLife Avatar
    SirSimpleSimonPresidentForLife

    Unless the money was used to buy ice, which was then put out in the midday sun to melt, at least it must be somewhere either as cash or as assets?

  34. SirSimpleSimonPresidentForLife Avatar
    SirSimpleSimonPresidentForLife

    $302,000 is not just grocery, utilities and gas money is it?

  35. David Avatar
    David

    It is unexplainable why the court continues with the adjournments in this case. Where is the consideration for then applicant?

  36. Piece the Legend Avatar
    Piece the Legend

    http://imgur.com/gallery/Gj32Ber

  37. TheOGazerts Avatar
    TheOGazerts

    Judges are aware of the ‘high’ opinion the majority of the population have about the legal profession. It should not be surprising if you see them start to ‘talk the talk’.

    As you can see judges are not yet prepared to ‘walk the walk’

    Tough talk without the requisite tough concomitant actions can be considered as a ‘placebo’ or promises to fools.

  38. Piece the Legend Avatar
    Piece the Legend

    Shouldn’t the most recent news about Vonda Pile be added here as well?

  39. David Avatar
    David

    Lawyer Vonda Pile Found GUILTY as Charged!
    Posted on June 4, 2019 by David 13 comments

    Vonda Pile was found guilty earlier today of thieving close to $200,000 dollars from a client Anstey King. The blogmaster salutes Mr. King for finding the time to pursue this matter which was kicked about in our dysfunctional justice system for several years. If the judge suffers no damascene moment- like in the James O’Rourke matter- Pile will be handed a hefty sentence for breaking the law stripped of her role as an officer of the court. She was remanded until July 16.

    Vonda Pile is featured in Barbados Underground’s Lawyer in the News.

    One regret of this blogmaster is that John Griffiths did not have the wherewithal to also criminally prosecute former Speaker of the House MICHAEL CARRINGTON.

    Another matter irking the blogmaster is to observe former minister of Michael Lashley in our Courts on a daily basis representing minibus men by exploiting laws he helped to enanct as a policymaker. There is something very wrong here.

    Time longer than twine!

    https://barbadosunderground.net/2019/06/04/lawyer-vonda-pile-found-guilty-as-charged/

  40. Hants Avatar
    Hants

    Breaking news.

    Lawyer charged with stealing.

    https://www.nationnews.com/IMG/039/89039/hilary-nelson3953-450×303.jpg

    https://www.nationnews.com/nationnews/news/241250/lawyer-charged-stealing

  41. David Avatar
    David

    Thanks Hants.

    He is old school.

  42. TheOgazerts Avatar
    TheOgazerts

    Haha
    Old school is right.
    Probably taught some younger lawyers some of his tricks as well.

  43. Hants Avatar
    Hants

    Condolences to his family and friends.

    STEPHEN ARCHER must be Barbados’ poorest millionaire. For though he was awarded $2.7 million in an injury settlement. ………

    The Barbados Today editorial is interesting.

  44. Hants Avatar
    Hants

    Another horror story ?

    ” The disciplinary committee of the Barbados Bar Association has made a recommendation for another attorney to be disbarred.”

    https://www.nationnews.com/nationnews/news/242490/disbar

  45. Hants Avatar
    Hants

    @ David,

    The disciplinary committee said Nicholls had not been able to account for $860 000

  46. TheOGazerts Avatar
    TheOGazerts

    There must be a way to separate lawyer’s fees from a client’s money.

    First comment on this blog post is in 2007.
    ‘
    Now look at the below 20018-2019 story. Eleven to twelve years, same old story

    The 74-year-old attorney from Bagatelle Gardens, St Thomas, was not required to plead to stealing £347 660.96, equivalent to BDS $855 000, from British national Errol Hewitt between November 12, 2018 and May 4, 2019″

  47. Hants Avatar
    Hants

    Lawyer’s standing remains intact

    For now Phillip Nicholls’ name continues to be listed on register of attorneys who can practice law in Barbados.
    While there were reports that the Barbados Bar Association’s Disciplinary Committee had planned to make a recommendation to the Court of Appeal that Nicholls to be disbarred today, no such action was taken when the parties met in Court No.1 of the Supreme Court.
    Instead, the matter, which was heard by Justices Kaye Goodridge, William Chandler and Rajendra Narine was adjourned until February 25, 2020.

    https://barbadostoday.bb/2019/11/14/lawyers-standing-remains-intact/

  48. David Avatar
    David

    Charaine Parris gets another adjournment, this time to February 21st.

  49. David Avatar
    David

    Attorney Susanna Thompson (left) appeared in the District “A” Magistrates’ Court yesterday. (Picture by Jameel Springer.)

  50. Sargeant Avatar
    Sargeant

    Seven years after making her last payment, attorney Cheraine Nicole Parris paid up another $10 000 yesterday, moments after she admitted stealing $302 000 from a former horse trainer ten years ago.

    https://www.nationnews.com/nationnews/news/246732/lawyer-admits-stealing-usd302

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