It was with great sadness that the UWI community learned of the passing of UWI stalwart, Dame Bernice Lake on Saturday, after a brief illness.
A brilliant legal scholar, Dame Bernice was the first woman in the Eastern Caribbean and the first University of the West Indies graduate to be bestowed the distinguished title of Queens Counsel.
Born in Anguilla, she made her home in Antigua where she established the highly respected chambers, Lake & Kentish with attorney Kendrickson Kentish, following a distinguished career in the diplomatic service of the short-lived West Indies Federation.
Dame Bernice was an expert in constitutional law. Not only was she the main architect of the Anguilla Constitution in 1975, she was part of the team that framed Antigua & Barbuda’s Constitution in 1981. As a member of the Council of the University of the West Indies for many years, she brought her clear, analytical mind and formidable legal skills to bear on the deliberations of that body. The Chancellor, Sir George Alleyne, who chairs the Council, has lauded her quiet dignity and incisive contributions to the discussions.
In 2004 the Government of Antigua recommended her for a knighthood for her contribution to the legal field, her stance on women’s issues, civil and political rights and her personal integrity. She was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate of Law by her alma mater, The University of the West Indies, in 2007 at the Cave Hill graduation.
The University of the West Indies is indebted to this eminent jurist and Caribbean stateswoman for her years of outstanding service to the institution and to the region and extends condolences to the family of Dame Bernice Lake.
oH WHAT A SCHOLAR. she did pass on ,that what it is about when we share our knowledge.
Please media persons look at how great it was written, learn from this . No talk about her age or what killed her or what she had or who she supported. Just well written
It is sad that such a brilliant person has now come to pass. She will be missed. May her soul rest in peace.
Simply. a brilliant mind. RIP.
I am proud to be a graduate of that the UWI. Is not little work I work…. to even reach the pass mark is a big challenge. May God bless Dame Lake soul, she has worked hard to get the UWIand by extension the region to were it is today. The Uwi stands tall among the worlds great instution of learning. Little problems here and there but we all do from time to time.
Rest in peace Ms. Lake. My mom spoke highly of your love & respect towards her. May God bless your soul.
ahhh why wisdom have to die too…UWI is not easy work nah! give me ur knowledge! heheh
i telling you i wish someone could bestow that knowledge Dame Bernice Lake has upon me.or i could say the magic word and it would be done.