The BVI Bar Association is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on June 5, 2025.We are happy to introduce the Association's newly elected Council, comprising President – Tamara Maduro of Hatstone Lawyers; First Vice President - Merrick Ricardo Watson of Kobre & Kim; Second Vice President- Allana-J Joseph of Walkers; Treasurer - Charles Goldblatt of Conyers; and Secretary- Chassidy Leonard of Bedell Cristin.The Association extends its sincere thanks to the outgoing Council for their dedicated service -former President Scott Tolliss, whose leadership facilitated significant developments over the past two years and former Secretary Brittney Smith-Murrills, whose unwavering commitment ensured efficient administration and support.Reflecting on the achievements of the past year, the BVI Bar Association, under the leadership of President Scott Tolliss, made significant strides. Its key accomplishments during the 2024/25 term include: Mentorship Scheme. Now in its third consecutive year, the 2024/25 Mentorship Scheme was successfully expanded to include students and aspiring lawyers, broadening its reach and impact. With 44 participants joining this year, the programme has now supported a total of 134 individuals since its inception. The scheme continues to receive resoundingly positive feedback and remains a vital initiative in delivering guidance and support to legal professionals across all stages of their career. Dame Janice Pereira Bar Association Scholarship. This new initiative, co-chaired by Treasurer Charles Goldblatt, will offer a full scholarship to one deserving BVI Islander/Belonger to pursue legal studies at an accredited university. The BVI Bar Association is proud to champion this meaningful opportunity and plans to formally launch the programme in the coming months. Further details will be shared shortly so please stay tuned. Legal Aid. The Legal Aid Committee, chaired by former Second Vice President Merrick Ricardo Watson, has made commendable progress in advancing long overdue work aimed at paving the way for a Legal Aid Act. As part of its efforts, the Committee recently met with the Honourable Minister responsible for Legal Aid, who has pledged his full support for the initiative. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to strengthen access to justice across the Territory. The BVI Bar Association extends its sincere appreciation to the Legal Aid Committee for its unwavering commitment to this complex and important undertaking. Judicial Liaison Committee. The composition of the Judicial Liaison Committee was announced to the membership on Monday 26 May 2025 by our past Secretary, Brittney Smith-Murrills. The mandate of the Committee covers, amongst other things (i) enriching communications between the Bar and Bench (including regularizing Bar/Bench or 'court user' committee meetings across the various court divisions; (ii) considering judicial resourcing, which will involve liaising with the Bench to identify any resourcing needs and strategizing to communicate or lobby those needs to the relevant decision-making body/ies; and (iii) project-planning to enhance access to the profession and exposure to the court system for aspiring lawyers in the Territory. Notable Events. The Association hosted and attended several notable events over the last year including a litigation talk by Wilberforce Chambers, the UN Special Committee Stakeholders Meeting, the Cocktail reception for Dame Janice Pereira PC on her appointment to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council held at Brandywine Estate Restaurant, the 75th Anniversary Great March of 1949, the Mentorship Mixer Event at Botella, its annual One BVI Bar event at Indigo Beach House, the well-attended International Women's Day Forum at Prime and its Mediation training with the Mediation Specialists held at the BVI International Arbitration Centre.The BVI Bar Association aimed to address key challenges during the 2024/2025 term, including enhancing membership processes, advocating for targeted legislative reforms, resolving capacity constraints within the judiciary, and fostering broader engagement across its membership and key stakeholders. What to look forward to for 2025/26 The newly appointed Council looks forward to building on the strong foundation set by the outgoing Council. Priorities for the 2025-2026 term include: Continuing engagement with the Judiciary and key stakeholders. Expanding professional development and training initiatives. Advancing necessary legislative reform efforts. Promoting inclusion and cultivating camaraderie among the legal fraternity with intentional social events and gatherings. Launching the Mentorship Scheme for its fourth successful year. Launching the highly anticipated Dame Janice Pereira Bar Association Scholarship to one deserving BVI Islander.The BVI Bar Association extends its gratitude to our members for their continued support, encourages the submission of feedback and concerns, and looks forward to a productive and impactful year ahead.
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