When Andrew Pilgrim took up the post of President of the Barbados Bar Association, BU was very optimistic that in tandem with newly appointed CJ Gibson, some efficiency would have been achieved in our court system. We were wrong. To compound the perception that the Bar is a moribund entity it has been three months since Barry Gale QC took the baton from Pilgrim and the public is none the wiser about progress made by the Bar during his tenure.
Several reasons are listed on the Barbados Bar Association website why it was established under the Barbados Bar Association Act of 1940. Of the 27 reasons given a few should be of interest to Barbadians if only because they are laudable or should that be laughable:
Related Link: Non Contentious Fees (The Legal Profession Act Cap. 370A)
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To support and protect the character, status and interest of the Legal Profession
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To promote honorable practice, and settle disputed points in practice;
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To settle questions of professional conduct, discipline and etiquette;
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To further good relations and understanding between the Bar and the public;
On the Bar website can be found the LEGAL PROFESSION CODE OF ETHICS 1988 which again makes one question if the Bar is aware of the lofty ideals which are promoted in the document. For example:
(2) An attorney-at-law shall maintain his integrity and the honour and dignity of the legal profession and of his own standing as a member of it and shall encourage other attorneys-at-law to act similarly both in the practice of his profession and in his private life and shall refrain from conduct which is detrimental to the profession or which may tend to discredit it.
One wonders if the act of mooning by a Queens Counsel within the precinct of the court in the presence of a Madam Justice et al violated the Bar’s legal profession code of conduct. And if so what is Barry Gale QC and his men going to do about it. What is evident is that the Bar talks a good talk but it is in the execution which like many they are failing.
One is left to conclude that the Bar Association could care less about its public relations and disciplining of its members. The charade continues.
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