Journalist Brenton Henry from the community of Mahaut along with Pat Edgar Henry also from Mahaut and Dell-Anne Kayonne Jno Lewis of Salisbury were deemed fit and proper individuals and admitted to practice law in Dominica by High Court Judge Colin Williams.
In moving the application on behalf of both Henry’s (who he is related to) Kondwani Williams told the court that Pat Edgar Henry Practiced law in the United States, is a past national athlete in Dominica, and also possesses lots of social skills. They both he stated had acquired the necessary qualifications and fit and proper to be admitted.
He told the court, that Brenton Henry was a former staff of DBS radio before moving to Antigua to work. He described him as “a well-read and researched individual who completed his law degree at Norman Manley Law School in Jamaica”.
His application was seconded by Wayne Norde.
Williams also expressed concerns that the lawyer profession has not been attracting young men and so with the calling of the two men he is very happy and hopes that it will serve as “an inspiration to other men”.
He called on the new lawyers to be “of good service to the court and clients and to uphold the ethics of the profession”.
“Be fair always and remain abreast with current matters of law,” he told them.
Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Sherma Dalrymple moved the application of Dell-Anne Kayonne Jno Lewis seconded by Ann Riviere Leon.
They described her as “dedicated and diligent” and a very good asset to the legal profession.
In his first address to the court, Pat Edgar Henry called the moment “proud” for him and said he was looking forward to bringing his “flare to the legal profession”.
For Brenton Henry, the journey was “long and challenging with financial hardships” and he could not do it alone.
He vowed to continue to maintain the “ethics of the profession and will work in the best interest of his clients and the court at all times”.
Jno Lewis said she was overwhelmed with joy and thanked God for that day. Every step of her journey she said was guided by faith and she extended gratitude to the government of Dominica for ensuring that she had “zero financial stress.”
The journey she said was at times filled with doubts and constant fear but with the support of family she was able to move on. She stated that she was looking forward to adding value to the legal profession.
Her message is, “Don’t lose faith and keep dreaming big.”
Other lawyers, Bernard Pacquette, Peter Alleyne, and Daina Matthew also welcomed the new lawyers and in admonishing them reminded them to be respectful and honest to the court and clients at all times.
In his address, Justice Williams lamented the non-existence of a Legal Profession Act in Dominica.
The struggles at law school he told them were “real” but the moment of pleasure and satisfaction of being admitted is always a “joy”.
“Work honestly, be of service to the rock that you are from (Dominica) money is not all, contribute and do some free work,” he said.
“Be active members of the Bar Association, get the basics right (the foundation is key) and the rest will fall in line…preparation is key and you are to always uphold the ancient values of the ethics of the profession, go and do well,” he told them.