Another Dominican lawyer has been conferred with the title of “Senior Counsel” (SC), by the president of Dominica.
Attorney at law Alick C. Lawrence who is the current owner of Caribbean Offshore Services, is the latest person on whom that title has been bestowed.
The title of SC is what is formally know as Queen’s Counsel in Commonwealth countries where the Queen is still Head of State.
DNO has been informed that Lawrence, a former State Attorney, Acting Labour Commissioner, Acting Registrar of Government of Dominica has already received his instrument of appointment from president of Dominica Dr. Nicholas J. Liverpool.
The Portsmouth born Lawrence who was Dominica’s Island Scholar in 1980, received an LLB (Upper Second Class Honours), from the University of the West Indies in 1980, Legal Education Certificate in 1986 and in 1989, a Certificate in Legislative Drafting. He was called to the Dominica bar in 1987.
Research done by DNO reveals that Lawrence has been involved in major criminal and civil litigation in Dominica. He has represented the French construction company, Nord France Enterprise, in arbitration against the Dominica Electricity Services Ltd – a local power company with success resulting in an award of approximately $12 million.
Lawrence also represented Cable & Wireless Dominica Ltd. including the preparation of the relevant documents, in transactions leading to its acquisition of the Dominica assets of Cable & Wireless (West Indies) Ltd. valued at $120 million.
He has represented the Government of Dominica and Price Waterhouse Coopers in litigation pertaining to the receivership and liquidation of British Trade and Commerce Bank.
Among the Dominican attorney’s specialties are banking, Litigation, Dual Citizenship, Legislative Drafting, Corporate Law, Offshore Financial Services, Intellectual Property, Dual Nationality, IBC, Incorporation…
Reports reaching DNO, indicate that the name of former Attorney General Henry “Babs’ Dyer had been forwarded to a committee chaired by now retired Justice of Appeal Madame Ola Mae Edwards for consideration for the title of Senior Counsel but his nomination was rejected.
“I was asked to write a bio on Mr. Dyer and from what I was told it seems that he was on track for that position but since it does have political leanings and the government has the final say, he was not considered,” a source told DNO.
The final decision as to the conferment of that position on anyone rests on the government of the day and while some persons in the legal fraternity have little issue with Lawrence’s appointment, some are saying that his “political involvement” is of some concern.
Former President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) Michael de la Bastide has criticised the award of Senior Counsel (silk) to members of the judiciary at the discretion of politicians. Instead, Justice de La Bastide recommends that it be made the responsibility of an independent panel comprising representatives of the legal profession and civil society.
DNO was unsuccessful in obtaining a comment from Mr. Lawrence on his appointment.
With all due respect to everyone’s comments; but I do believe that this appointment was long overdue and though many in the Political arena, especially those who are anti to the D.L.P. and the current Government may not want that credential bestowed upon S.C. Alick Lawrence but, it is well deserved.
Congratulations to you Sir on your receipt of your Credentials.
Scratch my back and I will scratch yours
Congratulations Sir
Congrats Mister Lawrence.
daser DNO danser ….. puppet again !!!! the master tell u do it so u must….but the master must be carefull cause we serve ONE GOD ….the ultimate …..soo go and get a concience …..
Dominica is a lost cause papa.. nothing is wrong man, everything is right….
SMFH
“The title of Senior Council is what is formally know as Queen’s Counsel in Commonwealth countries where the Queen is still Head of State.”
I thought Dominica was an Independent |ˌindəˈpendənt| adjective
1 free from outside control; not depending on another’s authority:
2 not depending on another for livelihood or subsistence:
3 not connected with another or with each other; separate:
nation,,,
DNO may not post this comment as they normally disregard all the potent informational pieces Marn post on here but thats Ok you can only fool some of the people all the time but eventually the Whole Truth will be revealed ,,,
Just how the Inter-Net revolutionized certain aspects of retrieving information so to other revolutionary concepts will be developed where the powers won’t be able to sensor the Broadcasts,,,
Well deserved Mr. Lawrence.
Congratulations. I believe in giving a man his flowers while he is alive and thats just what is happening.
I was in the Police force while Mr. Lawrence was a Lawyer and i knew he was such a correct figure and he chose the right profession.
God bless you man and i wish you long life to enjoy all the good things he has destined for you.
Dominica. Nature Isle.
Alick Lawrence has already received his instrument of appointment from the President Mr. Liverpool. Let’s, with a clear objective conscience, look at deeply what is happening in our land.
Is the President aware that the said lawyer is a member of the “Independent” Electoral Commission?
Is the President aware of the request made by the Commission, to Govt., for funds to carry out its function, its work,to make necessary changes to to the election process, to ensure elections are FREE and FAIR in Dominica? 7 Years now. People crying, begging to no avail.
The Commission is begging for funds to provide Voter ID cards and to clean up the “dirty” bloated Voters List. No Reform. No funds. No Free and Fair Elections in our beautiful, peaceful Nature Isle.
Is the President aware of the Email. Re. is madness the Commission talking about Electoral Reform? No one has refuted the Email and what it said. Who sent that Email? To whom was it sent? To whom was the Email copied?
Who is stalling the request from the Commission? Is the Commission independent or influenced by political operatives? How could that be?
Senior Counsel? Electoral Reform !!! Voter ID cards !! Clean Up Voters List. It’s dirty. Free and Fair Elections !! Democracy!! Peace !! Where are the consciences of those men?
What happen to Astaphan (Tony) ????? retiring???
Congratulations Mr. Lawrence. Well deserved. Whatever one might think about your political position, we all know that you have a very sharp legal mind.
Perhaps it would have been better if you had gotten the promotion under the UWP like Mr. Astaphan as it would have demonstrated your true worth rather than being a favored lawyer of the political directorate. Then again, this says a lot about the maturity of Mr. Edison James and the UWP for promoting Tony Astaphan to Senior Counsel, even though he was at the time and is still very anti-UWP.
The Portsmouth born Lawrence who was Dominica’s Island Scholar in 1980, received an LLB (Upper Second Class Honours), from the University of the West Indies in 1980,…..
Is that correct DNO?
congrats Alick,went to P.S.S together being listening to all your achievements from overseas. God bless you.
When I hear those who called him vile names on talk shows now praising his appointment I ask who are the hypocrites and who in Dominica has integrity. How can they preach that he is such a bad man with no integrity and call on the Bar to take a look at his activities and yet run to congratulate him when he gets this appointment? But the hypocrites on all sides have no face. Eugenia Charles should have taught these opposition people how to behave and be consistent in opposition. On the other hand I will agree that this appointment is tainted by the government interference. This Senior Counsel business seems to be something handed out as gifts and not for some great piece of legal prowess which it should be.
Congratulations to Mr. Lawrence, a fellow Zicack/Portsmouth family friend. This title is very well deserved. Your smarts, accomplishments and continuing body of works speak loudly. May you use this position to bring justice where and when needed.
Congratulations Lico, well deserved!
I note the contempt of the gentleman in refusing to make any comment to a local media with regard to his new appointment. It is public knowledge that said individual has strong political leanings of which the entire public is aware. This appointment is therefore unethical and well positioned for public scrutiny.
He is not deserving of the appointment. This is just political mischief at the highest level
nous fini bat!
another one from the North
Prime mininster,comminsoner of police ,fire chief,cabinet secertary,diretor of agriculture,head of GIS,PS,MATRON,auditor next is the president so the list continue help me to highlight them
Congratulation to you Bro, I believe you have done well, as the scripture says, ” A man’s gift will make a way for him”. So your path is the path of truth, honesty and hard work ofcourse, once again, Congratulation!!!!!
@ Lawrence Ettienne ..”So your path is the path of truth, honesty and hard work ofcourse..”
A JOKE DAT MAN? You can’t be living in Dominica. D man post is a political one, and he maybe smart but you streching it or you just plain wicked
YES I ….A A …
We want Babs.. We want Babs.. We want Babs.. We want Babs..
We want Babs.. We want Babs.. We want Babs.. We want Babs..
WE DEMAND BABS DYER BE SC. HE deserves IT!
Who is “We”. Speak for yourself.
who is we and who does WE represent certainly not I,as a former client I certainly disagree with WE
Congratulations. Well deserved.
congrats mr lawrence .you are a very bright man …(but the part about political learnings and the government has the final say shouldnt be added .it looks even more political and government should be omitted to add the prime minister)
Congratulations to my fellow school mate, friend and fellow Portsmouth/ Zicack resident. I am very pleased of your new appointtee/ position. What God has rendered on you no type of negative comments will prevail. You have worked hard for your honor and will continue to do so. I am sure Ms. Esther is proud of your achievements. Hold on strong for everything in Dominica is political especially when it goes or comes from Portsmouth.
Congrats Mr lawrence. Well-deserved. I know you can look beyond the negative criticisms
Although I do not support the fact that Alick is to close to comfort to Skerrit, no lawyer or member of the public should doubt is technical competence. Congratulations to him and hope he lives up to his title and not succumb to the whims of politicians.
If we are lucky we’ll all be Senior one day, don’t need the President for that.
Congrats Mr. Lawrence. Well deserving I must say.
From your neighbor in Beau Bois
what are you after? Browny points?
Congrats ALick! DNO stop trying to make a negative out of this…Jeeez man.
Way to go UNCLE
Eminently well merited appointment.The track record of the other applicant(s)needs to be properly researched and reported in order to objectively determine fair comparison.The applications are circulated to the legal fraternity for comments At the appropriate time Lawrence will undoubtedly be offered a judicial appointment on the bench of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court. Hope he accepts.
This is a political Appointment!! Not that Mr. Lawrence is not an astute lawyer and is probably deserving of the title.
For me personally, I look with suspicion on any appointment made by this President. I just dont trust this guy.
As qualified as the brother may be, his closeness to the ruling political class is like a deep Malady and brings this across as a massive sleight of hand.
Well, Nac Vibes, would «this» be more acceptable to you if he were close to another party instead, perhaps one of which you approve?
First, being «close» to a political party does not logically, naturally, make you less of a person; it in no way makes you less honourable. The substance of an individual is in the quality of his thoughts and actions. Second, which human is not associated to a political party, either formally or informally?
You said it yourself, NAC Vibes, «the brother» is qualified. Leave it at that. Give Jack his jacket.
Lol Govt decides, when will people get rewarded for hardwork
and making a difference without political lineage
in this country When?
Congratulations to Mr.Lawrence. Well deserved. When one analyses his years of work and the technical aspects of several of the big cases undertaken one must recognise his accomplishments.
Its a pity that in Dominica we do not give support and respect to our own acheivers. Always this little, small minded, imature, undermining.
A working class boy makes good and some, even from the same origins, cannot stomach it. Remember its also cudos to Dominica, Portsmouth, Zickac and Portsmouth Secondary School. All the best Alick.
Congratulations to a long time friend.
Possie again Bravo!!!!
DNO, the article would have been a better read had you included a list of the current hodlers of the title ‘senior counsel’ instead of the part about Mr. Dyer.
Yes DNO… It seem if Jesus was back on earth you would even dig dirt on Him because it seem your ratings will go up with more negative comments from your readers.
Congrats Mr. Lawrence!
Ohhhhhhhhhhhh it rest on the Government no wonder mister get it. I agree with Michael de la Bastide, these political appointments are biased.
The Judges on the US Federal Supreme Court are all appointed by Politicians.
@Citizen
Whilst the judges in the us may be appointed by politicians there is due diligence by the senate and they can be removed if they violate certain principles
what principles did Mr Lawrence violate? Pray please tell me.We are too eager to besmirch peoples character on mere innuendo
Yay! So long I waiting to hear Alick get SC
Congratulations, to one of our own in Zicack.
Keep trying DNO, if u get a word out of Alick mouth you guys would also be deserving of a special honor.
Wow DNO don’t know if you all will publish this comment but after the first few paragraphs this article reads like a hatchet job on Mr. Lawrence!!
He has long been known as one of the best and most prominent lawyers in Dominica! Why choose to spend half of the article announcing his new title, talking about the rejection of ‘Babs’ Dyer??!!!
This is not fair to the man’s career accomplishments to publish the article in this manner where it makes it seem that he was conferred the title out of favouritism and his political leanings instead of earning it!!!!!!!
Let’s see if this comment will be published and if Dominicans have the capacity to be fair, or always base their opinions on politics!
DNO Y U guys always have to give a story a negative twist
dno u never cease to amaze me.