While high-ranking attorneys and other members of the legal fraternity spoke highly of the professional life of the late former President of Dominica, Dr. Nicholas Liverpool, Solicitor General, Joelle Harris, took a somewhat different approach.
Describing herself as a “quasi-niece” of the former President, she gave a personal tribute to Dr. Liverpool at a special sitting of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court at the Parliament building on Thursday 18th June 2015.
An emotional Harris said she felt compelled to attend the event even though she is on extended sick leave due to surgery in order to pay tribute to the man she called “Uncle Nick.”
“I rise not only speaking in my capacity as Solicitor General, but more so as a young lawyer, student, and as a quasi-niece of Dr. Liverpool,” she said.
She noted that it is not with disrespect but with “great fondness” that she referred to the late Dr. Liverpool, as “Uncle Nick, which I called him for most of my life.”
“The man who chatted and laughed with my grandmother, into changing between English and Patois without warning so I could understand a small portion of what they were saying,” she stated. “Who spoke to everyone like they were Lords or Ladies and always seem to know whether or not my siblings and I were doing well in school and who would take the time to either encourage or congratulate us.”
She continued, “I remember that Uncle Nick’s presence always seem to fill everyone with delight. Long before he held the office of President, it seemed that his relatives and friends counted themselves privileged whenever he visited, even if he visited often.”
She said in terms of law the late President was “a consummate teacher.”
“He was a superb example of all that a lawyer should aspire to,” Harris remarked. “He had an impeccable work ethic; he was thorough, diligent and honest in all his dealings.”
She stated that she will miss Dr. Nicholas’ chuckle and sense of humor.
“I will most certainly miss Uncle Nick’s wise counsel, but perhaps it is his chuckles that I wish I could hear again and I will certainly remember him for his generosity and sense of humor,” She added.
She also said that he was a respectable man with the greatest of integrity, was honest not just in his dealings, but also to himself and second only to her father, he was “ever-present” throughout her career as a lawyer.
Meantime former Acting Chief Justice of the ECSC, Sir Brian Alleyne, who also addressed the Sitting, said the passing of Dr. Liverpool “is indeed a very sad occasion for us all.”
Other remarks came from: The Honorable Justice of Appeal Davidson Kelvin Baptiste who presided over the procedures, Justices of Appeal: Honorable Gerthel Thorm and Louise Blenman, High Court Judges: Honorable Bernie Stephenson and Errol Thomas, Senior Counsel Joffrey Harris S.C and Justin L. Simon Q.C, President of the Dominica Bar Association Mary A. Roberts, Director of Public Prosecution Evalina Baptiste, Henry Dyer, Joan Prevost, Julian Johnson, Alix Boyd-Knights and Hazel Johnson.
Dr. Liverpool passed away in Miami on June 1.
He will be laid to rest on Friday June 19 at the Grand Bay Roman Catholic Cemetery.
stupidness that boy
Oh where oh where was the leader of the opposition, he was brave enough behind a microphone in the safety of a studio lambasting the late president,but not brave or manly enough to carry out his duty as leader of the opposition. Poor Dominica what have we done to deserve such a dismal opposition part. Dominica must have the worst opposition in the caribbean. Listening to the opposition is so excruciating embarrassing to think that a democratic country could have such an inept and disingenuous bunch of men vying to become the next government.
What makes someone a great Dominican? Because before this man became president I never even knew he existed. What has he done for his community or Dominica on WHOLE? What type of organization has he been involved in that made hime so great. All I know so far is that he was president and as far as im concerned anyone can be a president these days
All his coworkers and colleage said was that he had a great work ethic but that doesn’t translate to being a great Dominican
j.pinard i agree totally. all he said for dominica is ,take them to court. he was a signaturer of the constitution of d.a. he should of tutored skerrit on it. may god have mercy on him.
Guess when Charles Savarin died he will be loved and praised like a great man
What can of statement is this? Dont we all have to die. stupid fool
But what did he accomplish for Dominica, other than getting a very good job for himself? No-one is commenting on that. Sure: – a great politician; took his salary like a man; toed the party line; did not get involved in any controversy; stood up for no one; offended no one.. but where’s the beef?
Surely, if he is to be praised as a statesman, show us what he did to enhance the lives of us all. I guess, not much :(.
He was a nice man, I knew him and liked him. Let’s leave it at that, but for the rugrats to start spewing out about how great a politician he was, etc., is quite frankly disrespectful to all.
Who ever said he was a politician.
Well said Jacques Pinard. an opportunist of the highest order.
We have been humming that same tune in grandbay.Great man from the sout but the south was not in him.Look at the funeral turn out,most grandbarians there were either government workers or a few he grew up with everyone else was from outside.The man was one of dominica’s brightest in law and did nothing for the community he grew up in.
D not wait for someone to enhance ur life ,Its up to u to do that
LMAO really , Really LOUD. This is the fundamental problem with Da and her citizens.We are consumed with Kissing Butt. Pure and simple.
The Guy was President when Skerrit did his first bobol the land transfer. Liverpool said nothing. So all those AS kissing dignitaries can do what Skerrittold D/cans to do……………………….Hell
A great big bunch of …………………………………………………………….. Ur choice readers. am not even giving possibilities for a multiple choice its on you hypocrites.
I guess you have to be a moo moo to be a president in DA, I understand the present president is a moo moo and the president that died was also a moo moo. “he stood up for no one and he offended no one”, so what is his purpose in life?
Mr pinard
Think of what you can accomplish for your self and dominica.
Small mind people.
I like this. same thing i’m saying. what makes someone a great dominican? so what if he was president, what else we can say he has contributed to his community of country. Nothing really except worked for the government and collected a pay check