Bar Association Notices

The BVI Bar Association is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on June 18, 2024. This year's AGM, chaired by President, Scott Tolliss, was one of the best-attended in recent years, with all but two positions on the Council being contested. This high level of participation reflects the growing engagement and commitment of the legal community to the Association and its objectives.

Resulting from a well turned out membership vote at the AGM, we are delighted to introduce the Association's newly elected Council, comprising: President - Scott Tolliss of the Maples Group; First Vice President - Tamara Maduro of Spencer West LLP; Second Vice President - Merrick Ricardo Watson of Kobre & Kim; Treasurer - Charlie Goldblatt of Conyers; and Secretary - Brittney Smith of BVI Financial Investigations Agency.

Reflecting on a year of achievements, the BVI Bar Association, under the leadership of President Scott Tolliss, has made significant strides. Its key accomplishments during the 2023/24 term include:

• Mentorship Scheme. Following the success of the Association's inaugural mentorship scheme in the 2022/23 term, the Bar Association was pleased to offer the initiative for a second successive year. During the 2023/24 term, the scheme was expanded to include paralegals in the BVI legal community, and saw 36 participants participate (bring the total number of participants since inception to 90). The scheme has received overwhelmingly positive feedback, underscoring its value in providing guidance and support to junior and upcoming legal professionals.
• Relaunch of social media accounts and campaigns. Members of the Association's PR Committee successfully relaunched, and dramatically increased activity on the Bar Association's LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter) channels. Special thanks to Brittney Smith and Marcia Lyght-Robin for leading this project.
• Launch of "Call From the Bar" Newsletter. Resulting from a specific focus on engagement and communication between the Association and its members and stakeholders, the outgoing Council introduced a periodical newsletter from the Bar Association dubbed "Call From the Bar". The newsletter has just published its seventh edition.
• Revamped Website. The Association's new website was launched at the AGM. It features significantly improved functionality resulting in an enhanced user experience. Members can now access an updated public membership list, integrated social media feeds, and a dedicated page for announcements and notices. Special thanks to Keiyia George of RKG Consulting Group for the successful implementation.
• Notable Events. The Association hosted several notable events over the last twelve months, including its sponsorship of the Dr. J.S. Archibald QC Memorial Lecture, the Opening of the Law Year Festivities, its annual One BVI Bar event, and a variety of training and community initiatives. These included advocacy training with Wilberforce Chambers and a Pro Bono Legal Clinic in collaboration with the Lion’s Club.
• Partnership with the Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA). The BVI Bar Association has formed a partnership with the CLA, welcoming its visiting Bahamian President, Dr. Peter Maynard, to the British Virgin Islands. This partnership aims to enhance the Association’s reach and influence within the wider Commonwealth.

Looking Ahead to 2024/25

As we move forward into the 2024/25 term, the BVI Bar Association will focus on several key objectives. These include enhancing record-keeping practices to ensure greater transparency and efficiency, lobbying for legislative reform and working with our courts to maximize efficiency and access to justice, and striving for broader membership and stakeholder engagement.

Additionally, the Association plans to expand its mentorship scheme to continue supporting young professionals and paralegals in their careers, and to increase community engagement through events and initiatives that foster a stronger connection between the Association, the wider legal community to which it serves, and the Virgin Islands public.

The Association remains dedicated to its mission of promoting excellence within the legal profession and serving the community with integrity and diligence, and looks forward to fulfilling its role under the stewardship of its newly elected Council.

 

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