Dominica-born named Connecticut State Victim Advocate

Gavin Ambrose
Garvin Ambrose

Garvin G. Ambrose, born in Dominica, was earlier this month named State Victim Advocate in Connecticut by Governor Dannel P. Malloy.

He was the unanimous first choice by the Victim Advocate Advisory Committee, a panel statutorily required to consider and interview candidates for the position and provide recommendation to the Governor.

“Garvin comes to us with a notable background, working on behalf of victims and advocating for the policy changes that are necessary to preserve their rights and serve their needs,” Governor Malloy said. “The Victim Advocate is responsible for public education and advocacy. He will work directly with criminal justice professionals at every level to protect victims’ rights as guaranteed under the Connecticut Constitution and state statutes.”

Ambrose is from humble beginnings. He was born at the Princess Margaret Hospital to Reg and Sheryl Ambrose of Mahaut.

Congratulatory cake given to Ambrose on his appointment
Congratulatory cake given to Ambrose on his appointment

He attended the Mahaut Primary School before migrating to Canada at seven.

He earned his undergraduate degree in criminal justice from Southeast Missouri State University and his law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School.

In a telephone interview from Canada Ambrose’s mother, Sheryl, told DNO that her son always dreamed of becoming a lawyer and was hard working. “Garvin is always a hard working and positive person,” she said. “He always care about others.”

She said the family travels to Dominica very often since they consider the island home. “Even though we are away from Dominica, Dominica is always number one,” she said. “My children always grew up knowing that Dominica is our home of birth and we are always back in Mahaut.”

She said she was overjoyed when she heard the news that her son was given such a top position. “We know the sky is the limit for Garvin,” she said. “Garvin always go for more. So I was jumping saying, ‘this is my son, this is my son.'”

In accepting his new position, Ambrose thanked the Governor and all those close to him. “I would like to thank Governor Malloy and his administration, the Advisory Committee, Hartford State’s Attorney Gail Hardy, my wife Toya, and my family for their trust and support,” he said. “I look forward to collaborating and continuing to build those necessary relationships with victims, lawmakers, law enforcement, advocacy groups, and service providers to ensure that the voices of all victims are recognized and heard, but most importantly that their rights are enforced.”

Ambrose currently is Executive Assistant State’s Attorney and Legislative Liaison in the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office in Chicago, where he serves as an advocate on issues of civil, criminal, juvenile and family law, and assists in the development, research and drafting of legislative initiatives and policy.

In this position, he has been responsible for working with government agencies, nonprofits, and victim advocacy groups to promote passage of a number of new state laws that aid in the protection of victims, including in the areas of child abuse, domestic violence, financial crimes, gun crimes, and human trafficking.

Previously, he served as Assistant State’s Attorney for the Juvenile Justice Bureau of the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, where he was responsible for conversing with victims on a daily basis to seek their input on criminal cases during all aspects of trial preparation.

The Victim Advocate serves a four-year term.

Click on link below to read a resolution by the Illinois General Assembly recognizing Ambrose’s new job in Connecticut and his work in the state of Illinois.

LINK

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34 Comments

  1. Anonymous
    March 1, 2013

    Iam also from the Mahaut District and have been living in Connecticut for many years.I also work with the STATE OF connecticut in the capacity of a social worker. I am very proud of Mr. Ambrose he makes us Dominicans proud with this selection.

  2. Anonymous
    February 28, 2013

    congratulations garvin were extremely proud of you your an excellent role model for our young black youth out there today

  3. A Voice
    February 28, 2013

    Congratulations to a fellow Dominican brudder. Welcome…

  4. CT Res
    February 28, 2013

    Very impressive.

  5. ZANDOLI
    February 28, 2013

    CONGRATS; Another SON of the SOIL… Dominicans at home and abroad have more than enough talent to change Dominica in every respect within a decade, but we need to remove the OLD GUARD now in place (note: Both Parties)…

  6. Anonymous
    February 28, 2013

    Thanks to everyone for taking the time to comment….my family appreciates it. I’m also very proud of my sister, Kanika, and my brother Clyde (Ross), for all their accomplishments to date. We’re fortunate to have parents (Reg and Sheryl) who believe in us and our dreams—-not everyone’s as fortunate, so we as a nation must lift each other up.
    Although I don’t subscribe to some views on here, I know that we all love Dominica and want the best for her.
    Continued blessings my people!

  7. NOSE
    February 28, 2013

    CONGRATULATIONS!!! THE CAKE CANNOT BE MORE BEAUTIFUL!!! LOVE IT!! IT’S REPRESENTING OUR NATURE ISLE!!

  8. Divine Intervention
    February 28, 2013

    CONGRATUATIONS!!!. I wish you were the one working as ambassador to our country. I know you will help Dominica in any way possible. We need more like you. One day you will come and give the government some training in law enforcement.

    I live in the USA, want to go back home with some ideas to the government in my field, but because I am not pro this government they will not even want to see me, much less hear me. I hope the position you have,will pave the way for us Dominican’s who are here, will be encouraged to go and contribute to our failing and ailing country.

    More power to you and your family , on behalf of all Commonwealth of Dominican’s and hope we will not be mistaken for the Dominican Republic.

  9. Fish
    February 27, 2013

    Congratulations to you Garvin!!! You continue to break through the walls of success with you determination, will to succeed, commitment and hard work…I’m so proud of your achievement to date but the journey continues. As you enter the door of success be sure to keep the doors behind you open always. I pray God blessing upon your soul as you enter your new venture…A proud brother and friend!!!!

  10. Mamoo
    February 27, 2013

    My best of love and blessings to you my son.
    CONGRATULATIONS! Keep up the great work.

  11. Mamoo
    February 27, 2013

    Congratulations my dear son Garvin, you always make us very proud.We know that will not be the last since you always shoot for more.

  12. Spooks
    February 27, 2013

    CONGRTAS BROTHER :-D

  13. Creativity
    February 27, 2013

    Can any good come from mahaut yessssssssss congratulations are in order u made us proud

  14. Rita
    February 27, 2013

    Congrats man u deserve it. Even if i do not know u i am so happy and to know u are from dominica makes me more proud. God bless u

  15. Mahaut
    February 27, 2013

    I just checking…Gus that man…
    Looking like Charlo…

    Congrats man

  16. Anonymous
    February 27, 2013

    Why are all the talented Dominicans out of Dominica, leaving the questionable characters behind to govern the country.

    • Anonymous
      February 27, 2013

      Good question! Maybe it’s because Dominica does nothing to recognize the talent that it has. No incentive is offered to make someone WANT to work back home.

      • calibishie
        February 27, 2013

        well, you have to understand that they are talented because they went outside of Dominica in order to develop and broaden their minds.

    • Another one
      February 28, 2013

      We have to when you guys find fault with s for trying to educate you when we return. As a result as we are not like those who conform we have to turn around.WE do not get the support so we MUST go leaving the idiots in their shit.
      D/can love the dishonest partially educated idiots
      Man there are so many of us out there you would be surprised.

  17. MOSQUITO
    February 27, 2013

    Dominicans are give very responsible roles in Foreign countries. It shows we have the academic and vocational/practical qualities to excel in most professions especially when dealing with the public. Good on Mr Ambrose for his achievement and it is sure others will follow the trent of recognition for public responsibility

  18. Evolved
    February 27, 2013

    Good going to you man – forward!

  19. grell
    February 27, 2013

    congrats son of the soil,wish you all the best.

  20. Anonymous
    February 27, 2013

    Congratulation Mr. Ambrose. As a Dominican we are proud of you.

  21. LIMINGLUCY
    February 27, 2013

    CONGRATULATIONS..DOMINICAN.!!!

  22. Morihei Ueshiba
    February 27, 2013

    Congratulations Garvin, don’t forget we need your help in Dominica as peoples rights are being trampled by the regime and judicial luminaries from St.Vincent. :mrgreen:

  23. Kanika Ambrose
    February 27, 2013

    Congratulations Garvin. You continually make this family very proud on so many occasions. We love you so much and know that you are truly deserving of all the good that has come to you. Continue to work hard (as you do) and strive for only the best. All my love, Little sis.

    • Anonymous
      February 27, 2013

      Kanika Ambrose…soon enough you will be making us proud too…Just continue on your path you are and you will be next…Congrats to Big Bro Garvin

      • February 27, 2013

        Kanika.. congratulation to you also .. an Actress in Toronto

  24. More Bowdell
    February 27, 2013

    That’s my son. U have made us all proud.

  25. BELFAST BOYS
    February 27, 2013

    GUS U ROCK MAN

  26. CT LADY
    February 27, 2013

    Congrats to u Garvin it makes me proud to know that One of my fellow Dominican is making us proud in Connecticut. Keep working hard to reach the top am smiling ear to ear in Connecticut, congrats again

  27. Jay
    February 27, 2013

    So refreshing and encouraging to hear some good news like that for a change. Well done mr. Ambrose, you are doing Dominica proud.

  28. Brooklyn N.Y,
    February 27, 2013

    Congratulations to you Garvin and your family. You certainly make Dominicans proud. By the way, let them know that it is Dominica, and not the Dominican Republic. Put us on the map son, for very good reasons. Once again Congratulations to you and to the Dominican populace. Hats off to you.

    • Anonymous
      February 27, 2013

      Thank you! Trust me though, as long as I’m around people will always know the difference my friend! :)

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