The fishing community of Layou can now boast of having it’s very first attorney as Marie Louise Pierre-Louis is the newest addition to Dominica’s legal fraternity.
Pierre-Louis, who was called to the bar on October 22, 2021, says that at the head of her agenda is the provision of legal services to the less fortunate in Dominica.
In the presence of a few colleagues and family members, the 37-year-old was the first Dominican student from the Hugh Wooding Law School to be admitted to the Bar virtually, in Dominica.
The Petition to have Pierre-Louis admitted to practice as a barrister and solicitor of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court in the Commonwealth of Dominica was put forward by attorney-at-law Lennox Lawrence of Platinum Chambers and Dawn Yearwood of Dawn Yearwood Chambers, before High Court Judge Madame Justice Bernie Stephenson.
In her first address to the court, Pierre-Louis pledged her commitment to undertake a role towards the enhancement of her community and the nation by extension.
She vowed to uphold the rule of law and her ethical obligation to the court, counsel and clients while serving with integrity and dignity. She pledged to maintain the level of integrity which the legal profession demands and not to bring her reputation and that of the court into dispute.
According to Pierre-Louis, this achievement was a dream forged in her heart as a little girl, “from the time I realized that I did not like mathematics,” she jokingly stated.
She said though the journey has been rewarding, it was not without its challenges.
“There were many hiccups and delays along the way, but I never gave up on my dream. When I left to go and study, I did not see the end; I only saw where I was standing at the time, but I had faith in God, and He that started a good work in me, will see it to the end.”
She had a message of encouragement for the young girls, urging them to “dream big” and to not give up on their dreams.
“Who would have thought that this little girl from Layou, from humble beginnings, could have been up here today addressing this Honourable court? It was a dream and there is no expiration date on your dream and there is nothing like starting late; there is only starting.”
Pierre-Louis thanked her parents Waddy Pierre-Louis and Crescentia Angol, her siblings, family, close friends and colleagues whose support she said has been invaluable.
She also thanked the Government of Dominica, particularly the Prime Minister, for their financial support during her educational journey.
Justice Stephenson, in a statement, told the newly admitted attorney, that er she has joined a very demanding profession and encouraged her to promote and advance the rule of law and act in a timely manner whilst being professional and ethical.
“At all times put God first. Serve with dignity, civility and respect is what is expected from a lawyer. What you say and what you sign guarantees trust, for you are now an officer of this court.”
The new attorney told Dominica News Online (DNO) that her area of focus for now will be civil law and in the future she may venture into criminal law.
Pierre-Louis is a former student of the Isaiah Thomas Secondary School (ITSS). During her legal studies she earned a spot on the Principal Roll of Honour. She is pursuing a Masters Degree in Legislative Drafting at the UWI Cavehill Campus.
I fail to realize how this article of your young lady’s incredible success story despite the odds turned out to require political comments.
The young lady embarked on a very expensive educational journey, got some assistance from the government and decide to thank them and the PM because she is not ungrateful and she recognize that her request could have been denied as educational assistance is not mandatory.
And that is all there is to it.
A simple “congratulations” or “job well done” would have been sufficient a comment to leave if any.
This is sad and discouraging that you are telling young ppl that when you do well we are going to politicize you and criticize you for no reason because you are not being ungrateful to a political party that you do not like smh.
I know ppl are going to come on here and dislike this comment, but it does not change the fact that we as a society, have to do better and not turn every single thing in Dominica into politics.
Young lady? 37 she is. Anyway, the issue is not with the ‘young lady’ but with the person that paid for her studies. That’s the issue. All you DLP supporters know that anyway but you need to twist it all, so all your master keeps on shining. Corrupt lot!
So who is Antoinette’s Father in Grand Bay? I am related to the Angols’ and I just wanted to know.
Congrats Pearly(that’s what we called you back in the day). You’re representing Layou hard and I am so proud of you. Love from the states!
Bought Already,her mother known to the people of Layout as ANTIONETTE ANGOL is from Grandbay.Her father WADDY PIERRELOUIS is from Layou .Only idiots support UWP.
Congratulations to you and your family. I love to know how rewarding it can be when one studies hard and achieve his/her goal. I hate to know how the smart ones especially in Dominica can allow themselves to fall very low to good for nothing ( You know whom). Be careful of that good for nothing. He is the best in deceiving.
Whenever someone achieves well it always have a political gossip. Why not wishing the lady well in her achievements. This course of studies are very costly and of course you may seek governments assistance once needs be. In this regard, you will thank the Gvment and PM, is that an issue to say thanks to someone who assist you in the time of need? Well well with some ppl
I just have to post again. I’m just totally baffled at the number of dislikes under the congratulatory messages
8-O. What is wrong with you ppl??
Wow…I really commend Marie for holding on and fighting to achieve her dream. Knew Marie before she left to study and I know that the journey has been a long one but very rewarding as she achieved what she set out to do and continues to rise. I am always encouraged when I hear stories like this.
So I am trying to figure out why so much negativity and politicizing under this article. Why can’t we just say congrats and move along or if you have nothing nice to say just keep scrolling. There is a time for politics and a time to just humble and this is one time for the latter. One thing I can say is despite all the criticism you CANNOT buy a degree from Hugh Wooding nor from UWI. Sooooo…this is well deserved.
Marie, congratulations. I know you worked very long and very hard. Kudos to you and all the best in your future endeavors.
Just more competition for Melissa Skerrit that’s all
More new lawyers to finish Skerrit bill of sale. Before Skerrit opens his wallet in front of them they all getting doltish and so the No law No constitution continues to rule supreme
And it is no joke. It is understood that he takes pleasure to pretend looking for something in his wallet and allowing the dollars to fall so his visitor can help him pick them up. And bang you are caught. Contamination time. What a man.. What an evil being
I don’t know her and don’t know where she stands politically. But I know for sure that it won’t be very long before Skerrit buys her
CONGRATULATIONS,to you Miss Pierrelouis you have made you parents,Waddy Pierrelouis,Antoinette Angol and the people of Layout proud.Your parents worked very hard on the estates to help you get where you are today.Congratulations again.
There we go, a brand new member of the cabal. DNO, did you interview her or did you just regurgitate this propaganda. The petition was brought by Lennox Lawrence and she also stressed that she had to thank the PM. Nothing more to be added!!!
There is nothing more to be added for ungrateful, jealous bums. Get a life, you UWP bum. You are just another ………..
Ungrateful? What should I be grateful for? A PM that continues to fail to account for billions of CBI money? Sorry, but I’m not grateful. However, you on the other hand are clearly happy and ‘grateful’ for that. You know, I’m very tempted to call you some very ugly names but thinking about it I’ll refrain from that. I just feel pity for your and all the others that live in constant denial just for the sake of a few favours. Is this the best you can do for your country?
ds what does ungrateful mean to you? You mad money Labourites
Congratulations
Congratulations
Congratulation to you young lady and remember it is a very rough road ahead. But you started on the right path keep your head up and good luck.