THE GAVEL A PUBLICATION OF THE HUGH WOODING LAW SCHOOL
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 2 DECEMBER 2017 IN THIS ISSUE: Dominica Hurricane Aftermath: Gate Closed? 3 HWLS Stu- PM vows to continue support for law students dents Caught By Christine St.Marie off Guard The Prime Minister of Dominica, Building Jigsaw 8 Hon. Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit, has as- Puzzles: The sured his country’s law students Caribbeaniza- that they will continue to receive tion of Legal his government’s support as they Education must press on with their studies in the face of the devastation caused
by the passage of Hurricane Maria WHAPAXXX! 14 PAMPALAM! this past September. Dominican Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit (left)
“We need you educated, trained so remain focused, exercise dili- was greeted with a round of ap- Meme now more than ever,” Dr. Skerrit gence and remember together we plause by attendants. Competition 18 told a gathering at the St. Theresa aspire, together we achieve,” Hon.
Roman Catholic Church, Barataria, St. Jean told them. The Prime Minister reminded his
on November 25. The Prime Minis- listeners that climate change is real, ter was invited to address the audi- Dr. Skerritt also took the opportuni- alluding to the effects of Hurricane 20 ence during a thanksgiving mass. ty to express his gratitude to the Maria, which left 90% of Dominica’s A Tribute to The celebrant was Fr. Elton Letang, people of Trinidad, for their over- Housing sector damaged, 31 dead Mrs. Dianne who is Dominican by birth. whelming support following Hurri- and 34 missing (as released by the Marshall Holdip cane Maria, which ravaged the Dominica Police Force earlier this Dr. Skerrit was accompanied by the island on September 18, 2017. month). “We are on the frontline of Dominican Minister of Education, this real threat to our existence. He stated that the support by Trini- Our response must be united and And more Petter St. Jean and Public Affairs Coordinator in the Office of the dad has “lifted our spirits”. He also strong,” Dr. Skerrit stressed. Prime Minister, Missi Henderson. recalled that the first shipment of aid landing on Dominica following The gratitude expressed by the During the meeting, students got Maria, was from Trinidad. “Nothing Prime Minister is extended to HWLS the opportunity to ask questions compares to the spirit of Trinidadi- as the institution has also been and express their concerns regard- ans in times of need as it lifted the providing support, both financial ing their studies. It was in response spirit and souls of fellow Domini- and otherwise to its students. to these questions that the Prime cans,” Dr. Skerrit said. His comment Minister assured that his govern- ment will continue to support its nationals studying abroad.
The Prime Minister however urged students “not to give up”, as Domi- nica needs the cadre of skilled pro- fessionals to improve its human resource capacity. His sentiments were reiterated by the Education Minister who also addressed the Dominican Prime Minister Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit with Dominican students and students. “If ever there is a time members of the congregation that Dominica needs you, it is now; P A G E 2 Seasons Greetings from the Gavel Editorial Committee! Our team has Credits grown! From Left: THE GAVEL is the official Chevy Devonish, Renee Atwell, newsletter of the Hugh Arun Baboolal, Wooding Law School Kalesh Loakman, situated at Gordon Street, Mrs Francisca Campbell, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Mr Jason Nathu, Tobago. Mrs Nisha Mathura-Allahar, Christine St.Marie (front), It is published three times a Vishala Khadoo, year by a joint committee of Jonathan Stevenson staff and students. and Aaron Mahabir. Contributions and comments are welcome from staff, students or any other interested parties. QuiTE recognizes individual who is student-centered in Mrs Alana Jameson with his/her approach, is focused on pro- Send all e-mails to: the 2017 Excellence in fessional development and is com- [email protected] Teaching Award! mitted to advancing the development of his/her institution.” Editorial Committee Staff: The Quality in Tertiary Education Nisha Mathura-Allahar (QuiTE) Awards 2017 lauded one of The criteria for the award takes into Jason Nathu our very own course directors. The consideration: teaching and learning Accreditation Council of Trinidad and strategies; professional develop- Rudranath Maharaj Tobago has introduced this award ment; leadership in training; and which recognizes the research-led teaching. Editor at Large: Congratulations Mrs. Jameson! “accomplishment of an outstanding Imran Ali
Editor, Design and Layout If she detected a mistake, she corrected you & Photography: This outpouring of love and respect is fully deserved Dianne Marshall-Holdip: Vishala Khadoo For many years our country and region she served My Tribute A cultural icon, no one knew lyrics like Dianne did Arun Baboolal Like she had a photographic memory under her lid Jonathan Stevenson A woman of impeccable integrity by Hazel Thompson-Ahye Aaron Mahabir A pity we don’t all do the right thing like she Christine St.Marie Dianne Marshall Holdip, our own Lady D People like her don’t come along often, her going was Born in Grenada, but a true, true Trini swift Chevy Devonish A loving daughter, wife, and mother Celebrate her life and thank God for His beautiful gift. Kalesh Loakman Malcolm would never find another Renee Atwell Thirty-four years of a very happy marriage
Dianne and Malcolm, always together like horse and Extended thanks to carriage The fruits of their union, beautiful children, all three Francisca Campbell for Jarryd, Arielle, Yannick as you can all see. her assistance. Carnival fete, calypso tent, steel- band yard She always there and she jamming hard Disclaimer: Calypso and Carnival judge, so fair Please be advised that the Her knowledge and expertise beyond compare. views expressed in the articles contained herein are When law students needed food or clothes to wear those of the individual Matter fixed, Mother Dianne to the rescue was there authors and not the of When a government would not pay a student’s fee the Editorial Committee/ Aggressive fundraising by Dianne we’d see Hugh Wooding Law School Impossible, was not in her vocabulary and/ or But love, understanding true meaning of charity the Council of Legal A walking thesaurus, her grammar, pure and true Education.
T H E G A V E L P A G E 3 VOLUME 10 ISSUE 2
Gate Closed? HWLS Students Caught Off Guard
By Jonathan Stevenson and Aaron Mahabir
A surprise cut-back in government funding forced newly enrolling Trinidad and Tobago students at the Hugh Wooding Law School (HWLS) to dip into their own pockets to cover their fees for the 2017-2018 academic year.
Incoming students were formally advised by notice from the HWLS of the new fees on August 15 – a mere two weeks before the registration deadline. Previously, all tuition fees for TT students had been covered by the government’s Government Assistance for Tuition Expenses (GATE) programme.
Repeating students were also advised in the August 15 notice that they would now be gramme will not fund the tuition fees for any prices. The government has moved to cut required to pay the full cost of tuition for re- student who repeats a year. Students are overall spending, particularly in transfers and enrollment. In the case of new students, reg- expected to progress from Year I to Year II in subsidies. istration fees rose from TT$820.00 to order to continue access funding. TT$13,945.00. Repeating students were re- In 2016, the TT government announced that quired to pay TT$94,524.61. In the case of incoming students, The Gavel GATE funding would be provided based on
also understands that the $13,945.00 fee the student’s ability to afford tertiary educa- One student who spoke with The Gavel said (which includes compulsory fees) is only a tion, introducing a means test to replace the she had been required to repeat a year in portion of their tuition fees for Year I. The previous regime of automatic qualification for order to complete her legal education. Unable government is expected to make up the bal- full funding for new students. to come up with the money, she said she ance of the fees. could not re-register. The student said that In his budget presentation on October 02 for the realization was a “life-shattering mo- Incoming students were advised by the HWLS the 2017-2018 financial year, TT’s Finance ment”. that they could have applied to the GATE Minister Colm Imbert confirmed that means Under the GATE programme, TT’s govern- programme for amelioration of the new tui- testing would be the way forward to keep the ment pays the tuition fees for its nationals tion fees they now had to pay. The Gavel has GATE programme accessible for all, as govern- studying at the HWLS. Students are required no information as to whether how many stu- ment could not continue to foot the pro- to sign a contract with the government to dents followed this advice and whether any gramme’s $700 million price tag. He said the access the funding for each year of registra- student applied received additional funding. programme would also be subject to “further tion. review and adjustment” in 2018.
The cut-back is one of the latest in the tertiary Details of the fee changes were still unclear at education sector as the TT government con- The Gavel’s investigation into GATE funding the time of publication, but in the case of tinues to come to grips with straitening eco- repeating students, The Gavel understands will continue in the next issue. nomic conditions experienced in recent time, that the GATE contract specifies that the pro- mainly due to falling global energy commodity
From Mooting Stars to Chevening Champions
This duo, Mukta Balroop and Rosana John-Montejo, are both recipients of the Chevening Scholarship. They have differed in their choices, however, while Mukta has chosen an LLM in Media Law at Queen Mary University of London, Rosana has selected an LLM in Environmental Law and Policy at the University College London.
Congratulations to you both!
T H E G A V E L P A G E 4 Taylor tops with 9 A’s
By Christine St. Marie my mind,” she disclosed. of the law in the initial stages should not be whether it is for fee or for free.” Hon. Al- It was indeed a proud moment for Taylor Asked what strategy she used to excel Rawi alluded to the fact that many cannot Laurayne, the Valedictorian of the 2017 Laurayne responded, “I think that I was afford the “avenue of justice”. He added, graduating class of the Hugh Wooding Law always very thorough; I would make sure to “You must find that the most rewarding school (HWLS), having emerged the Most make all my notes from the very beginning, part of your practise is that you have done Outstanding Student over the two years so I would never have an issue of trying to probono.” with 9 A’s of 11 courses. make notes two weeks before exams or cramming; I made sure that I understood He told the graduates that there are many The ceremony, during which 218 students everything because if you wait until the end opportunities for them in the legal field as graduated, was held at the Sport & Physical of the year to try to understand, it’s too late there are new areas of law developing par- Education Centre at the University of the for you to ask your teachers questions. ticularly in the financial area. He also men- West Indies (UWI), St. Augustine campus, She revealed that she only decided to prac- tioned the establishment of the Family tise law a “couple weeks ago!” Court in Trinidad and Tobago, as well as the National Prosecutorial Management Sys- According to Laurayne, she enrolled at the tem. University of the West Indies, Cave Hill campus to do International Business but Hon. Al- Rawi left the graduates with these upon the advice of the receptionist, she few lines that resonates: “find balance, find signed up for law. And the rest is history… peace, find joy in your practice.” She encourages current students at HWLS to get involved in Advocacy and Mooting, as the experience that she garnered through her participation is invaluable. Congratulations
Laurayne who hails from St. George, Barba- Cherisse! dos loves to travel, drink wine, practise on October 7, 2017. yoga and spend time with family.
She plans to go into civil litigation. Addressing her fellow colleagues, Laurayne advised them to “respect everyone, keep Laurayne also captured the Principal’s learning, remain humble and help [others].” Award for Advocacy; the Bar Association “...I’m not going to tell you to change the Prize; the Robert Mathieu Sellier Memorial world. If you want to, if you can, please, Prize for Best Performance in Trial Advoca- please, please change it! It needs changing. cy; the H. Aubrey Fraser Memorial Prize for But if that’s not your thing, or if right now Best Performance in Ethics, Rights & Obliga- you can’t figure out how, then okay. So tion of the Legal Profession; the RBC Royal maybe you change a company’s by-laws, Bank Foundation Fund Prize for Best Perfor- maybe you change a parent’s visitation mance in Probate Practice and Procedure rights, maybe you give your $2 in change to and the Association of Legal Officers of a person who needs it or, today, maybe you Trinidad and Tobago Prize for Outstanding just change your bed sheets. What is im- Performance in Ethics, Rights and Obliga- portant is that you change those sheets like tions of the Legal Profession. you’ve never changed them before.”
Featured Speaker at the ceremony was Laurayne, thanked the staff of the HWLS, Attorney General of Trinidad and Tobago, on behalf of her colleagues, as well as fami- the Hon. Faris Al-Rawi, who implored the Cherisse Francis, hailing from Barbados and ly and friends who made their achievement graduates to “focus on the qualities that having graduated this year, has been possible. Following the ceremony, The Gav- you have been taught: integrity, morality, offered both the Chevening and Common- el interviewed Laurayne, who explained discipline.” He also encouraged them to wealth Scholarship. She accepted the Com- that working hard coupled with a lot of always be organized and prepared, make monwealth Scholarship and is currently sleep (not the lack of!), are among the time for their families and other activities pursuing an LLM in Human Rights and things that contributed to her success. “I such as sports. Criminal Justice at the University of Aber- have never gotten any less than 7 hours deen. sleep in my entire life and I don’t ever want “You have a better chance of survival in this to and I think not letting anybody get into practise by recognizing that you are your Best of Luck! own worst enemy,” he said. “Your practise
T H E G A V E L VOLUME 10 ISSUE 2 P A G E 5 Anxiety and Depression—A Silent Nightmare
By Aaron Mahabir can cause dysthymia and bipolar disorders. dents get their required level of sleep to allow the body to rest. Depression and anxiety disorders are major Here are some ways in which a student can world-wide health problems that affect a cope with anxiety and depression: Positivity affects anxiety and depres- substantial number of individuals every year. sion. The moment a student starts Most of us at the Hugh Wooding Law School Exercising and physical activity can second guessing himself/herself, the (HWLS) feel anxious and depressed at times, reduce depression and anxiety. Physi- student will begin to experience whether it be as a result of tragic incidents, cal activity and exercising improves feelings of anxiety and depression. break-ups of girlfriend/boyfriend or divorce the immune system by releasing Negative thinking is the crux of anxi- and having lots of work in general with no calming neurotransmitters (known as ety and depression. By thinking posi- personal time for ourselves. endorphins), which works and ties tive and affiliating yourself with other the muscles and burns away stress positive students and people, stu- Students away from home feel homesick, hormones. Students of the HWLS can dents can learn how to handle anxie- especially during the holidays. Some are play table tennis in the sub-moot ty and depression. unable to travel to spend quality time with area, and can even engage in yoga, their loved ones. running, walking or some kind of Visit the HWLS counselor , Ms. Jiselle
physical activity at home. Alexander. A lot of students are either According to the Anxiety Disorders Associa- shy or feel threatened by the tion of America, feelings of sadness, fear, A breather always helps. Listen to thought of visiting a counselor. hopelessness, loneliness, stress and anxiety music, get a massage, and engage in Scheduling an appointment with Ms. are all normal. After time, those feelings hobbies. Doing so clears a person’s Alexander is confidential. It can be disappear. However, when those feelings are mind and will allow students to relax. done by simply emailing her at coun- present, day-to-day activities are affected [email protected]. Moreover, a and impaired, thereby causing increased visit to Ms. Alexander can be very distress leading to an anxiety disorder or Eat a well-balanced meal. A student’s effective as she can determine the depression. diet can affect his/her ability to cope triggers of the anxiety and depres- with anxiety and depression. By sion, then engage in the type of ther- Anxiety and depression can be maiming and avoiding foods with caffeine, one can apy that would best be suited for can affect your family, those around you and reduce anxiety as caffeine can trigger that trigger. For example, she can even yourself in negative ways. Students in panics. Fattening foods, refined sug- engage in psychotherapy which helps particular who suffer from anxiety and de- ars and alcohol can exacerbate anxi- persons feel more comfortable doing pression grapple with panic attacks and an ety problems. Students can also things that they lost interest in by inability to focus and concentrate in class drink herbal teas such as chamomile teaching them to deal directly with and while studying especially with exams as it produces sedation and relaxants thoughts, feelings and behaviours approaching. without side effects. that upsets them. Also, she can en-
gage in interpersonal and social Some students feel persistently sad or Getting the correct amounts of sleep rhythm therapy which stresses on “empty,” suffer from insomnia, low appetite can reduce anxiety and depression. maintaining a regular schedule of or overeating while some feel helpless and The main struggle of every student is daily activities and the stability of constantly irritable. Many think about suicide their struggle to keep one fixed personal relationships. and death. It should be noted that suicide is sleeping pattern. In order for a stu- a permanent problem for a temporary solu- dent’s body to function at its opti- tion. Uncontrolled depression and anxiety mal, it is recommended that stu-
WE ARE SOCIAL! Follow us using the following handles: Are you PASSIONATE about the law?
TWITTER @hughwooding Are there issues at home/ in the region / INSTAGRAM @hughwooding internationally that you believe need FACEBOOK @HughWoodingLawSchool to be addressed?
WE WANT TO SEE YOUR WORK!
T H E G A V E L P A G E 6
Black Gold Out o’ Control
The Environmental L a w C l i n i c
By Najla King and Akema Dick The most recent oil spill was just one of lation and prevention on the Peninsula nor The idyllic Chaguaramas, located in the West many that have occurred throughout the even attempt to be the first responders to of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, is maritime history of Chaguaramas, with oil mitigate damage to the environment. The blessed with natural beauty, dually ex- spills in Chaguaramas dating as far back as take-over of this October 2017 marine oil pressed in its lush terrestrial landscape and the early 1990’s. One cannot help but notice pollution incident by the Ministry of Energy tranquil marine areas. that the issue of oil spills in Chaguaramas and Energy Industries and the Environmental appear to be simultaneously linked to the Management Authority, clearly highlights the An ominous presence, however, underlies development of the yachting industry on the CDA’s limited scope on maritime issues like this maritime paradise. Oil, affectionately peninsular. But that is a matter for a more oil casualties affecting Chaguaramas. referred to as ‘black gold,’ is a persistent holistic investigation and analysis by the threat to the oceanic areas of Chaguaramas. relevant authority. The question remains It is not clichéd to say that black gold is killing Despite the various environmental laws and however, why do oil spills persist in Cha- CDA’s goal to sustainably develop Chaguara- regulations in force in Trinidad and Tobago, guaramas and cause so much destruction mas and market it as an ecotourism product. oil spills and oil pollution prevention efforts despite the robust EMA Act which takes a If CDA continues to be on the periphery of still manage to seep through these legal and comprehensive approach to regulating pollu- addressing the environmental concerns of regulatory regimes. tion? Chaguaramas, its sustainable development
goals will not manifest. It takes valuable time The most recent oil spill that occurred on This question can be partly answered by to alert and mobilise governmental authori- 14th October, 2017 at the Chagville Beach considering the Chaguaramas Development ties of an incident in Chaguaramas, time and Welcome Bay, reveals the frightening Authority’s (CDA) clout or lack thereof under which could have enabled the offender to reality that oil pollution issues cannot be the National Oil Spill Contingency Plan abscond effectively. One wonders if it is contained solely within legal enactments. (NOSCP) of Trinidad and Tobago, which was simply not more prudent to empower the They require strict on-the-ground compli- approved on January 31, 2013. The 2013 CDA with the authority to monitor oil spills ance and enforcement by actors and players NOSCP is both proactive and reactive in ap- and institute precautions on its own peninsu- in the maritime industry. proach. It aims to mitigate the extent of the la. The time has come for the CDA to have damage caused by spills by setting stricter greater participation in the environmental The legislative framework for pollution con- standards for entities involved in drilling, affairs of Chaguaramas, especially as it re- trol in Trinidad and Tobago, like most of its manufacturing and storing oil, as well in- lates to oil spills. A possible amendment to Caribbean counterparts, takes its lead from creasing collaboration among partners. Prior the Chaguaramas Development Authority international environmental norms and prac- to the 2013 plan however, the last oil spill Act, Chapter 35:02 of 1972 to include an envi- tices in the realm of pollution regulation. As contingency plan made by this oil producing ronmental regulatory regime might be of such, the master environmental legal instru- nation was crafted in 1977 and is very much utility in enhancing CDA’s role in the overall ment of Trinidad and Tobago – Environmen- outdated. It was actually only following the management of the areas under its charge. tal Management Act (EMA) Chapter 35:05 of 2010 “Macondo” incident or BP oil spill in the
2000 codifies globally accepted environmen- Gulf of Mexico, did the national community Another answer to the persistence of oil tal principles on integrated regulation of raise questions on what exactly is the status spills in Chaguaramas is the challenge in pollution, precaution, pollution-prevention of our oil contingency plan was, hence the capturing and prosecuting the polluting cul- and polluter-pay concepts. However, despite revamping of same. prit. To date, the oil polluter of the October the existence of the aforementioned Act, it 14th 2017 incident remains unidentified; cannot be ignored that pollution caused by The CDA, though charged with the develop- evading just as the escaping oil. The result is ‘black gold’, continues to spiral out of control ment, operation and management of the that the government and by extension, the ever so often in Chaguaramas, in spite of the Chaguaramas Peninsula, plays a mere specta- tax payer, must then fund the polluting costs existence of relevant laws. tor role and has no real teeth under the to restore the marine environment. Oil spills NOSCP. Thus, it cannot enforce oil spills regu-
T H E G A V E L VOLUME 10 ISSUE 2 P A G E 7 costs are not relegated mainly to cleaning up, but span compensation to maritime workers, such as fisher folk whose liveli- hoods are threatened. Costs also include repairing natural habitats. Thus, each time “black gold” gets out of control in Cha- guaramas, tangible costs are incurred in the amounts of dollars expended in clean- ing up as well as intangible costs in relation to the constant damage to its marine areas. The constant impairment of the water quality and integrity of the maritime envi- ronment of Chaguaramas cannot be com- pensated for in dollars and cents.
Oil is difficult to control once leaked into the marine effort as witnessed by the clean -up efforts of Kaizen Environmental Ser- vices (Trinidad) Ltd. which worked tirelessly better than cure’. many questions on our minds. Is there to remove the oil. Kaizen used absorbents inadequate legislation? Is it lack of compli- to clean the shoreline and contained the oil This article’s authors bore witness to the ance? Is it lack of enforcement? Is it lack of by placing a boom to prevent it from going maritime tragedy of October 14 2017 as we regulation? There is no one answer to back out to sea. The oil that was scattered were working, as part of the Environmental these questions, however, there is hope in droplets, however, could not really be Law Clinic of the Hugh Wooding Law that in the near future the CDA will be able recovered. Thus, in a spill, all the oil is School, stationed in the CDA’s legal depart- to take a stronger control of the reins in leaked but all the spilt oil, in most instanc- ment. We witnessed, first hand, the devas- finding and prosecuting those responsible es, like this one cannot be cleaned. This tation caused by the oil spill. There were of such heinous acts on its environment. reinforces the old adage that ‘prevention is
READERS CORNER To the Dickens….
By Nisha Mathura-Allahar in Victorian England follows the growth and PS- there is also a good BBC production of this development of an orphan named, Pip. It book for those of you who prefer the visual vs. One of the more important skills of our noble explores the themes of class, wealth, poverty, the written. profession is the ability to read and the use of love and rejection. A veritable “epic”, filled the English language. This skill is almost an with classic colourful characters, the near afterthought to some but really should be mad, wealthy jilted bride, Miss Havisham; the “handy in the toolbox” of any competent love interest, Estella, aloof and cold, self im- attorney – at –law. I love to read both for portant and the kind humble blacksmith, Joe, pleasure and work and the idea for this col- Pips father figure. umn came about when I realised that student attorneys are not as well read as we expect The book was first published as a serial to them to be. wide public acclaim at the time. Interestingly the author, Dickens, for part of his life worked Reading in and of itself, improves your vocab- as a law clerk at Holborn Court. Parts of the ulary skills and did I mention your use of lan- novel involve scenes of convicts, prison ships, guage skills as a wholly collateral benefit. I am episodes of bloody violence, inheritance, loss hoping this book review column which will and forfeiture of property. Its enough to peek appear in every issue going forward will en- any young attorney's interest. courage you to revisit some old reads and peruse some new reads some just for pleas- At times in the book, everything is not as it ure and some just to advance your legal seems. Does Pip end up wealthy with the girl knowledge. of his dreams? Or does he lose it all? Who is his true benefactor? Of course all of this is for My first pick, is the immortal classic, Great you the intrepid reader to find out. Expectations by Charles Dickens. The book set
T H E G A V E L P A G E 8 Building Jigsaw Puzzles: The Caribbeanization of Legal Education
By Vishala Khadoo
The 12th Annual Dr. the Honourable Lloyd Barnett O.J. Distinguished Lecture Series took place in Trinidad and Tobago, and was hosted at the Trinidad Hilton & Conference Centre by the Council of Legal Education. The Honourable Justice Peter Jamadar JA, the feature speaker, brought to life the topic of the evening entitled, “Building Jigsaw Puzzles and the Caribbeanisation of Legal Education”. From Left: Mr Reginald Armour SC, Dr the Hon. Lloyd Barnett O.J and Justice Peter Jamadar JA Guests at the lecture included His Excellency Anthony Thomas Aquinas Carmona, SC, Caribbean?” To this end, Justice Jamadar JA the law. ORTT, Dr The Honourable Lloyd Barnett O.J., looked to the preamble of the Agreement Chief Justice Ivor Archie, Chairman of the Establishing the Council of Legal Education, Exemplary to this concept is the case of Council of Legal Education, Mr Reginald of which the first two clauses contained: Israel Khan v Sherman McNicholls Civ App Armour SC, Justice Barrow of the CCJ, princi- No 153 of 2006, involving the permissibility pals of the three law schools under the “SHARING a common determination to estab- of an attorney addressing the court in a Neh- Council of Legal Education and various other lish without delay a scheme for legal educa- ru suit, is a remarkable one which demon- eminent members of the regional legal com- tion and training that is suited to the needs strated that the dignity of the court would munity. of the Caribbean; not be offended by such attire, having regard to its cultural significance and societal rele- Introducing the feature speaker, Mr Reginald AWARE that the objectives of such a scheme vance. Armour SC described Justice Jamadar JA as, of education and training should be to pro- “a unique individual” whose deep and inno- vide teaching in legal skills and techniques as As such, mere competency in the skills and vative thinking has made him a leader in well as to pay due regard to the impact of ability to become a legal professional is in- jurisprudence and social engineering. law as an instrument of orderly social eco- sufficient, purpose and societal awareness nomic change;...” and appreciation is inherent in meeting the Three cases were referred to by Mr Armour demands of society, and further, the obliga- SC in elucidating this proposition, being the: These clauses were emphasised as enshrin- tions to which the Council of Legal Education ing the obligation and intention of the is mandated. Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha of Trini- scheme of education to be provided, which dad and Tobago Inc and other v looks not only to producing competent law- The concept purported is that simply an Attorney General of Trinidad and yers in a substantive and practical sense in appreciation of social sciences is unsatisfac- Tobago [2009] UKPC 17; the region, but also for future attorneys in tory for the needs of the Caribbean, rather, the making to be trained to give regard to for starters, what was suggested is the for- Reginald Dumas v AG of Trinidad and social and economic change. To Justice Jam- mation of a methodology course, aimed at Tobago Civ App No P 218 of 2014; adar JA, the second objective was arguably a training students in argumentation with a and greater or more essential skill to enable view of the social, cultural and economic students to become agents of societal climate in formulating legal submissions. Ashford Sankar v Police Service Com- change. mission CA No 58 of 2007. The intellectual capacity to generate argu- Justice Jamadar JA used the illustration of ments in relation to the context and locality solving a jigsaw puzzle to bring forth a key to which law is practised and before the point which was, only from what we know citizenry which the law serves was highlight- and the questions we seek to ask will our ed for development in the region to further viewpoint and outlook broaden. satisfy the shifting climate of the region’s intricacies. Caribbean society has achieved a He posited a single question “Why are we marked uniqueness and cultural identity educating people to become lawyers in the which demands an analogous evolution in
T H E G A V E L P A G E 9 Human Rights Law Clinic – Substantive Projects
Website Project By Vanita Ramroop
L-R: Kemar Roberts, Neisha Moore, Arya L-R: Alatashe Girvan, Nadira Lando, Redhead, Vishala Khadoo Donavon Rangiah and Jodie Luke
Documentary Project Cultural Orientation Curriculum By Vishala Khadoo By Donavon Rangiah
There was nothing short of jubilation upon L-R: Ananda Gobin, Kael London, Vanita Our group consisted of, Jodie Luke, Alatashe finding out our team was assigned to do the Ramroop. Absent: Shani Carrington Girvan, Nadira Lando and myself. Our Human Documentary for the Human Rights Law Clinic Rights Clinic substantive group project called Substantive Project. The team consists of The group comprising Ananda Gobin, Vanita the “Cultural Orientation Curriculum for Refu- Kemar Roberts, Neisha Moore, Arya Redhead Ramroop, Kael London and Shani Carrington is gees”. Our project is to create a printed man- and myself and our main goal was to create focused on building a website for the Living ual, to assist refugees to adapt to the culture an authentic piece arising out of the genuine Water Community (LWC) with the assistance of Trinidad &Tobago.. circumstances of refugees, having regard to of website developer Troy Hector. the hardship of refugee minors in obtaining We combined our research skills to find out access to schools while living in Trinidad and The website serves to educate the public on information of the culture of Trinidad & Toba- Tobago. Many children who are recognised as the issue of refugees, in order to end the go that we thought would have assisted refu- refugees have gone months if not years with- stigma that refugees in this country face, by gees to be able to socialise and blend into this out the educational development that is usu- explaining who qualifies as a refugee and new society such as provided information as ally classified by their age. This monumental describing the circumstances that caused to society and conduct, places for affordable loss demonstrates the failure to ensure these some refugees to flee their home countries. entertainment and of course the festivals of children their universal human right. this great land. We faced many hurdles in The website will also contain information for gaining the information especially creating a This year, the Living Water Community has persons who come to Trinidad and Tobago list of local slangs of Trinidad as most of the treated with this issue by creating classes for seeking protection. It will describe the process members of our team are not Trinidadians. these children. We went to the location as to be declared a refugee in order to provide well as to refugee homes and heard their asylum seekers with the information that they We met with members of the LWC, who were experience with the problem as well as their would need upon arrival in the country. The more than forthcoming in helping us to deter- desire for this solution. A core theme for this website will contain emergency contact infor- mine what the refugees would like to know. documentary was “Hope”, to which “access to mation for both the essential services and the My group and I were “pushed in the deep education” is vital to the composition. In col- LWC. Contact information for religious organi- end” of the project as we were face to face laboration with the Living Water Community, zations and information about the culture in with refugees from all parts of the globe in a our team became larger as we welcomed Trinidad and Tobago will also be provided in focus group at the Living Water Community videographer, Brett Bulling and his wife, The- an attempt to facilitate a smoother transition (LWC). We even observed the process where resa Bulling, onto the scene for filming and for refugees. Furthermore, a list of frequently persons applied for asylum in Trinidad at the editing the production. We were glad to note asked questions will be included to address LWC. We completed our task on schedule as that their creative vision and passion for the questions that both refugees and the general of third weeks of November and the printed cause mirrored our own. public may have. manual will be made available to the refugees for Human Rights week in December. The experiences imparted were heart- The website will be translated into several wrenching, but we reminded ourselves that languages and will be communicated through Good men and women like ourselves in this while changing our collective realities is hard text and videos. career path, can do something, let’s be the work, all it takes is one step in the right direc- change as only together can we tion. aspire and only together can we achieve.
T H E G A V E L P A G E 10
Hindu Society’s Divali Programme!
Dancers entertain the audience with a classical piece.
A Tassa group invokes a rhythm from their quick drumming Members of the HWLS Hindu Society fill the Lecture Theatre with a song.
Admission to Practice!
Back: Rishi Tripathi, Raphael Morton-Gittens, Adita Ramdular Middle: Shanisa Sabdarali, Statia-Marie Shillingford Calvin Weekes, Janelle Ramsaroop, Renuka Ramdass, Shalini Teekasingh, Ved Trebouhansingh, Shane Pantin Front: Renelle Ramlal, Sarita Maharajh, Vindira Karim, Hillary Wyke, Cameela Ramroopsingh,
T H E G A V E L VOLUME 10 ISSUE 2 P A G E 11 Cocktail Party! Casino Royale
Entertainment of the night!
Not only was a DJ present to liven up the evening, but a live performance Stepping out in style— Students take the theme, “Casino Roy- was also enjoyed ale” to heart with glamour and style. by the students.
. Refreshed and ready to take the night!
Ladies sip their cocktails at a table while being entertained from the night’s events. Bajan Night! It’s a hit!
Students from all territories show their support to the Bajan stu- dents for their event by attend- ing the lively event.
T H E G A V E L P A G E 12
Launch Rockit’s Startup Weekend TT
By Ron Motilall and Tevera Franklin whether their service/idea was already avail- able for consumption in another way. On arriving at the Queen’s Park Oval Ball- room, we were immediately taken aback by The second part was a private meeting with the Buzz of lively conversation and the sight entrepreneurial coaches. This 15 to 25- of food across the room. Having described minute group meeting was similar to our ourselves as introverts many times before, interaction with the IDB reps. In that, they we were hesitant and admittedly over- were not afraid to be blunt about what whelmed by the confidence and gusto of the should be a realistic target for a Startup. We persons we saw. We collected our packages considered market forces and government and before we could sit to take in the atmos- utility in a way we hadn’t dreamed of just 24 phere we were instructed that Startup hours earlier. Weekends always started with a compulsory “No sit Policy” during the first hour before Some teams, changed their ideas to fit the everything was kicked off formally. We were advice given. Others maintained that their thrown into the deep end. it was a solution they should come work on. product/service/idea was worth sticking to After all the pitches were heard, some being their formula. We rounded off Saturday by We had to begin conversations with every- completed in time and others cut short be- preparing for our presentations for the Judg- one in the room. It took a bit of trial and cause of the time constraint, it was voting es on Sunday. error, especially when we realised that most, time. We were each given an opportunity to if not all other participants were from other vote (3 per person) on the ideas we thought Sunday saw things being kicked into over- disciplines – ICT and Computer Science, were the best, to shortlist the very best. drive. There was still a lot to be done in Engineering, Psychology, Politics, Entrepre- terms of preparing the idea and the collect- neurs, and two Law students. This was also This led to about 15 ideas, ours having ed data for presentation. We made it to the one of the more exciting hours as it meant merged with another. Groups were formed end of the day, tired and shaken but all introducing ourselves and trying to make and over the next hours, groups became teams persevered. Both Tevera and I were new friends. Ultimately, we were to try to larger as more ideas merged. The rest of personally blown away by the progress that woo persons from various fields to come on Friday evening, was filled with, in addition to all the groups had shown in a 54-hour week- board with us and our ideas. All this conver- a second helping of food, brainstorming the end. Some teams were just a few hours sation was of course accompanied by a parameters of the idea. Who was going to away from fully functional and deployable hearty meal. be our target audience? How would the apps, while others were just a few hours Logistics work? These were questions that away from getting a front office to start their We were quickly made aware of persons’ forced us as future Attorneys to think in an business. backgrounds and what they hoped to ac- unconventional way, for us at least. There complish with the grant money of USD was no question of filing documents, or Participating in Startup Weekend gave usa $10,000.00 that would be handed out to the practice and procedure. It was refreshing to renewed spirit and greased our innovative winner of Startup Weekend. The event was say the least. side. We would definitely recommend it sponsored by the Inter-American Develop- becoming a staple to participants of HWLS ment Bank, which meant that there were Saturday saw us take to the streets for the and HITEC. Representatives mingling among competi- morning half day. We made and distributed tors as well as promoting the #unfollow surveys in our groups, each hoping to collect We would be remiss if we didn’t thank campaign (which is tangentially related to as much market research as we could, both Launch Rockit, the IDB team, Mr Nathu and Startup Weekend). online, and offline to build a realistic struc- HWLS for facilitating our participation in this ture to our ideas. Whether you worked on event, the lovely meals and most important- The event was kicked off by our enthusiastic your own idea or you helped another team, host, Sally. She was very experienced and it was a great experience that would help ly the opportunity to be part of something hosted quite a few of these types of events you grow as a professional. It was also loads that would make a difference in a practical across the globe. She gave us an overview of of fun interviewing and surveying people. way. what to expect, warnings to heed and the guideline to remember that we had to work The highlight of Saturday came in two parts: as teams to achieve anything this weekend. the first saw persons from the IDB coming to each group and offering their honest and Then came the pitches. We formed a line of often blunt opinions about your idea. Their forty-four strong. Each having a strict one- advice was stark with the reality that the minute deadline to say what their idea was, prize was not a lot given what some groups/ what problem they were hoping to solve, teams had hoped to achieve. Other groups what kind of people (from the competitors) were forced to reconsider who their market we would need to make it happen, and why was, and other teams had to consider
T H E G A V E L VOLUME 10 ISSUE 2 P A G E 13
The Court Experience: Learning Evolved
By Kalesh Loakman than seeing learning come to life. Foremost is reinforcement on how important courtroom conventions and etiquette are. In addition, court visits have helped to instill The legal profession is said time and time certain necessary career values. They taught again to be a profession steeped in tradition. me the importance of punctuality, thorough Being taught etiquette is one thing, but doing research and persuasion. The Attorney-at- it in actual situations tremendously aids the Law is in a large way responsible for the out- learning process. come of the case. It is only when self- discipline is developed and values as those From the moment an attorney enters a mentioned above are portrayed can an indi- courtroom, to the moment a judge raises, vidual transform himself into a good attor- there are sacrosanct practices which the ney. attorney is expected to abide by. Whether it As a law student, going to court has never be standing when the judge or magistrate This by no means implies that court is boring. been just a mandatory tedious task that I enters the courtroom, standing when ad- There was one instance in the magistrates' have been compelled to participate in by dressing the judge or magistrate, bowing court where the lawyer in a quite puerile virtue of being a First Year Student at the upon leaving the courtroom, these practices manner complained to the magistrate that Hugh Wooding Law School. On the contrary, are all important for the student-at-law to the police constable was making funny faces not only was it an adventure, but it has pre- learn at an early stage before he enters the at him during his cross-examination. While sented me with the opportunity to garner profession. not at a level to defile the sanctity of the the necessary skills of an attorney, which are court, it is hard to forget the number of eye- best taught in the courtroom setting. Visiting the various courts also allows for brows raised because of how humorous the making sense of the theory taught in class. situation was. Being a non-native of Trinidad and Tobago, Particularly in the areas of evidence, criminal the journey to the court is an experience in practice and advocacy. There are certain Overall, waking up on early Friday mornings itself. Had it not been for court visits, I would topical areas that would best be understood to attend court was worth it. It was never have never been able to familiarise myself as by way of realistic example. Many times boring nor uneventful. Moreover, the activity fast as I did with the place I'll be considering when the judge or magistrate touches on an has definitely imparted much wisdom on my a second home for the next two years. Aside area that has been taught prior in class I find colleagues and I, most of which cannot be and apart from this, there is so much more myself having those, "Oh, so that's what was fully appreciated by being surrounded by the to be taken away from every court visit. meant!" moments. Nothing is more exciting four walls of a classroom.
2 bay leaves Method: RECIPES FOR THE 2 inches ginger Wash ginger thoroughly and grate (you may optionally remove the skin) SEASON Bring water to a boil and add grated By Candy Bristol-Bryan Method: ginger, cloves and lime Remove sorrel seeds and rinse Turn off the stove and cover pot with a thoroughly secure lid Add all the ingredients into a large pot Allow to cool and sweeten to taste with Cover the pot and bring the mixture to a granulated sugar boil Serve chilled or with ice When the mixture reaches its boiling point, turn off the stove and let the mixture cool Sweeten to taste with granulated sugar Serve chilled or with ice
GINGER BEER SORREL DRINK Ingredients:
1-2 lbs ginger Ingredients: 1 litre water 3 lbs sorrel 5-6 whole cloves 3 litres water A couple lime peels 5-6 whole cloves
2 sticks whole cinnamon
T H E G A V E L P A G E 14 WHAPAXXX! PAMPALAM!
By Deshon Griffith
It was a scene that the Hugh Wooding Law School had not witnessed since 2015: walls and corridors decorated in Ultramarine, Gold and Black; glowing, eager faces waiting anx- iously to observe what can only be described as a cultural explosion; a melting pot of mem- orable moments and electrifying entertain- ment pieces and; unlimited bashment there- after on the dance floor. It was Bajan Night, an evening full of surprises. The Bajan Student’s at HWLS definitely went above and beyond to put on two incredible events in one action packed night; Whapaxxx and Pampalam. The first event was entitled “Whapaxxx!” Wha-
From” with a twist at the end. Resident song- as it were, bringing Whapaxxx to a fantastic birds Dayna Taylor-Lavine and Britney Mayers close. had the crowd begging for more and Kevin Forde, also known as the “Karaoke Boss” Pampalam followed and the DJ’s took the switched up his style for this event and per- crowd on a musical journey; playing some formed a traditional song penned by his own popular old Bajan music and letting go some father. hard Bashment as well. The beverages were indeed well received by the patrons who were The short skits throughout the night definitely called to the bar as it were to quench their had the audience all but rolling on the floor in thirst with some bajan style drink mixes. The laughter as these hilarious skits captured situ- saying goes “fishcakes and bakes every bajan L-R: Deshorn Griffith, Reco Blackman, Akeem Rowe does make” and at Bajan Night, this was no exception. paxxx is an indigenous Barbadian word made popular by the hilarious, talented and well Patrons lined up to sample the fishcakes, revered attorney-at-law, Mr. Andrew Pilgrim bakes and cheese cutters in order to keep QC, on his now concluded television show them fuelled for a night of non-stop partying. “Pilly Out Front”. The word is literally onomat- In a word, the entire night could only be de- opoeia for a hard lash but on a figurative level, scribed as epic. The sentiment at the end of it denotes action and excitement; and that is the night was indeed satisfaction on the part exactly how the patrons of Whapaxxx de- of the patrons and a great deal of pride on the scribed the event. part of Reco Blackman, me and everyone who assisted us in planning and executing the I had the pleasure of hosting the event along- L-R: Renelle Maharaj, Kemar Roberts and Laurissa Maharaj event. side my co-host and fellow Barbadian, Ms. Nkasi Blair. We kept the audience engaged all ations even non-bajan students could relate night and had the patrons shouting Whapaxxx to. Akeem Rowe rounded up the night’s main from start to finish. The programme was filled performances with a piece entitled with a variety of acts including re-enactments “Barbados” whose subject was a personifica- of Barbadian skits, folk songs, renditions of tion of the island in all its splendour. Bajan hits, poetry and dance. It was, however, the Grand Finale that had the The night started with an eye-catching intro- entire crowd ready for the next event; Pampa- duction dance by “De Bajan Ladies,” adorned lam – the afterparty. For the Grand Finale, I in blue, yellow and black. This was followed by paid tribute to Lil Rick who I consider to be a eye-watering, soulful cover of The Might Gab- veteran of Bashment Soca and then I went on by’s Emerton by Kemar Roberts. The Bimshire to perform two original songs; “Bashment Chorale was next and they brought the house Farm” and my first release for Carnival 2018, down with hilarious renditions of “John Belly “Seasoning.” This explosive performance was L-R: Nkasi Blair, Algitha Richelieu, Jonica Mama” and “Barbados Ah Come backed by De Bajan Ladies who “Up De Ting” Romeo and Samuel Glasgow
T H E G A V E L VOLUME 10 ISSUE 2 P A G E 15 Cryptocurrency and Its Relationship With The Caribbean
By Kemar Roberts
Cryptocurrency, refers to a digital currency in which encryption techniques are used as a regulatory system, operating independently of a central bank. Notably, Bitcoin can be described as the first decentralized crypto- currency. This simply means that Bitcoin has departed from central governance and rec- ord keeping to a focus on decentralized ver- sion, which places control of money in the hands of its users as opposed to a central repository.
This control has shifted to the users given that they are the ones to update the Bitcoin network (“the blockchain”) by archiving any previous Bitcoin transactions. These transac- tions are validated by the users themselves way to spend money across interna- blance of popularity around 2014. and do not require a trusted third party such tional borders. as a central bank to play the role of authenti- On the other hand, places such as the United cation. The blockchain is available to all Ease in buying and selling goods. Kingdom have made committed efforts to members. Bitcoin can be stored in the cloud investigate the use of Bitcoin and other cryp- or on an individual’s computer in a digital Payments in Bitcoin can be made tocurrencies. Samuel Gibbs of Theguardi- wallet and may be exchanged for other cur- and finalized without one’s personal an.com reported on Wednesday 6 August at rencies, online payment, products and ser- information being tied to the trans- 10:29 BST, that the Treasury has launched a vices, and held as investment. action, and therefore it protects review where there will be a study of unreg- against identity theft. ulated digital currencies, including Bitcoin, to The Caribbean region can be classified as a ensure that Britain’s financial sector contin- pioneer in promulgating the use of Bitcoin. Bitcoin can be backed up and en- ues to meet diverse needs of businesses and One of the first companies in the world to crypted to ensure the safety of your consumers use algorithms on the blockchain to facilitate money. transactions, and the first company in the Similarly, California’s state Assembly has world to work with a central bank on a digital approved the Bitcoin Regulation Bill, which, Everyone can see and validate the dollar standard has been incorporated in if passed, would require digital currency transactions on the blockchain. Barbados under the name “Bitt Inc.” business to obtain an annually renewable
license. Disadvantages of Cryptocurrencies for the Advantages of Cryptocurrencies Caribbean Moreover, there is a possible legal conflict in
In a speech at the IMF and World Bank An- the Caribbean as it relates to offshore finan- One of the disadvantages of cryptocurren- nual Meeting on October 14, 2017, founder cial sectors. Given the legal obligations by cies within the region is there are no legisla- of Bitt Inc, Gabriel Abed, shared the possibili- international financial sectors to ensure that tive provisions, or governmental commit- ties of Bitcoin in the region by noting that it neither tax evasion nor tax avoidance occurs ments, which determine the nature of cryp- encompasses “advanced and robust network via the offshore vehicles, Cryptocurrencies tocurrencies and its trade within our region. of cellular phones and personal computers such as Bitcoin may become problematic. that would immediately provide growth, As such, from the Central Bank Act Cap 323 C sustainability, trade-incentivization, trans- The conflict may arise, as international trans- of Barbados, the Legal Tender Act Chapter parency, immutability, integrity and trust.” actions via Bitcoin are not subjected to any 246 A of Antigua and Barbuda and the Cen- significant regulation. Consequently, the tral Bank Act Chapter 79:02 of Trinidad and easy nature of these transactions and the Tobago, there is complete silence on the Other advantages include: use of Bitcoin to protect the user’s identity status of cryptocurrency, and whether they can result in conflict with the legal obliga- constitute legal tender, currency or foreign tions of the offshore havens in the region There is no one user, government or currency. This is not surprising given that due to the lack of adequate disclosure for bank, which can force a fee on a these pieces of legislation were initially any international investments that we may payment or control the flow Bitcoin. passed in the years 1972, 1982 and 1964 receive. respectively and Bitcoin only gained a sem- It is a cheaper, quicker and easier
T H E G A V E L P A G E 16
The Wig In Court – A Fashion Relic
By Aaron Mahabir
The wig has gained an iconic status in the Credit: Reuters legal profession, but it is only now used – (2001) if at all – for ceremonial occasions in only a few Caribbean territories. The wig of a British High Court Judge Now vilified as a symbol of British coloni- flaps in the wind alism, lawyers and judges in the Common- during a proces- wealth Caribbean are no longer required sion from Temple to wear wigs. The practice has been aban- Bar to Westmin- doned in Trinidad and Tobago since 1979. ster Abbey in cen- It was not until 2013 that the practice was tral London. formally done away with in Jamaica. Wigs are not even worn by judges and attor- neys-at-law in the Caribbean Court of Justice, the final appellate court for some Wigs were difficult to maintain – they had bottomed wig declined as persons started Caribbean countries. However, in The to be frizzed and curled and then treated to wear either a bob-wig also called the Bahamas, by virtue of the Practice Direc- with a thick scented ointment known as Bench wig i.e. a wig without side curls or tion 2 of 2012 issued by the Chief Justice, “pomatum,” then they were covered in a the curled tie wig which is a wig where wigs must still be worn on ceremonial thick law of powder. This was to ensure the back hair was tied at the nape of the occasions. that the wigs were kept free from dis- neck by a black ribbon bow. Importantly, ease. the full-bottomed wig was worn on cere- The practice of wearing of wigs appears monial occasions by Judges and Queen’s to be being phased out across the world. In England, wigs were at first associated Counsel. The curled tie wig was in use Even in the United Kingdom, the Chief with vanity over hair-loss when a number from at least 1722 and by 1800 it was the Justice notably said in 1990 that the Eng- of persons contracted syphilis as there only kind used by barristers on ordinary lish judiciary, “could disarm a good deal of was no cure for syphilis as there is now; occasions in court. public misunderstanding of the legal pro- newfangled female fashion or with the fession if judges stopped wearing wigs histrionics of the stage as part of the cos- Notwithstanding the global trend to aban- and gowns in court” since it made judges tume worn by actors, for example, Shake- don the use of wigs in court, there still look “antique and slightly ridiculous”. In speare’s Hamlet. remain proponents for this tradition. As 2007, with the advent of the New Dress stated in a House of Lords Consultative Rules, there was no longer a need for Different wigs have been used for specific Paper 1992, the wig added formality to wigs in the court room,, by barristers in legal practitioners. Barristers’ wigs are proceedings and preserved respect for the UK and judges stopped wearing them slightly frizzed at the crown, with horizon- authority and the status of the Court. It in 2011. tal curls on the sides and back. In addi- imbued in a lay person a sense of solem- tion, there are two long strips of hair that nity of the Court and offered Judges a The wig has no real significance or sym- hang down below the hairline on the neck measure of protection as it disguised bolism in the practice of law. The practice and sport a looped curl at each end. them and more importantly it equalised became fully integrated into the legal Different types of lawyers, though, have judges with the bar. profession in the 18th century, to reflect distinctions in the style of wig. the European fashion of the time. There Like many uniforms, wigs are said to be were no formal rules regarding the wear- A judge's wig is similar, but a more or- an emblem of anonymity. Although origi- ing of wigs; however, social pressure was nate, full wig, from a slightly frizzed top nating from the fashion sensibilities of put on non-conformists to wear wigs. that transitions into tight horizontal curls upper-class genteel society, wigs are that range several inches below the more lately seen to be an attempt to dis- The word ‘wig’ is derived from the French shoulders. tance the wearer from personal involve- word ‘periwig.’ Wigs or periwigs are made ment and a way to visually draw on the from either horse, goat or human hair. By the 1780s, the use of the full- supremacy of the law.
T H E G A V E L VOLUME 10 ISSUE 2 P A G E 17 Meme Competition
Submitted by Omar Small
Word Search
Submitted by Renelle Maharaj. This meme was selected as the winning meme in our competition. Congratulations Renelle!
Submitted by Kalesh Loakman
T H E G A V E L P A G E 18 HWLS Hindu Society’s 2017 Divali Programme
By Nathan Singh ed faces of the students and specially invited This performance provided insight as to why guests radiating with anticipation, it was now Hindus celebrate Divali, much to the fascina- September 12th 2017: The birth of the 2017 time to start the programme. tion of the students from other jurisdictions. Hindu Society. Taking over from the previous To wrap up the programme, the Passea Young Hindu Society (who did an excellent job in The programme was underway and led by our Starz tassa group filled the air of the law 2016 at organizing a fantastic programme) school with popular rhythms of tassa, which was definitely going to be a tough order to everyone enjoyed. match. However, we were ready for the chal- lenge! The invaluable message of the Divali pro- gramme can be intertwined with reality, as The 2017 team was spearheaded by President our Caribbean family was ravaged by natural Ms. Savini Balroop and the other members of disasters, which left destruction in its wake. the society comprised of Ms.Geeta Bridgemo- Hurricanes Irma and Maria (not our host/ han, Vice-President, Mr. Nathan Singh, Public treasurer) were the culprits for this time of Relations Officer, Ms. Maria Sawh, Treasurer darkness but, despite that, we experienced an and finally, Mr. Harrynarine Singh, our Secre- overwhelming exhibition of light emanating in tary. the midst of such despair, as everyone acted as a cohesive family to assist those affected by Our first major task was the execution of the the natural disasters. It is this unity and com- Divali programme. Thankfully, there was an host, Ms. Maria Sawh, who perfectly engaged passion which articulates the essence of Di- immediate cohesion among all the group the audience. The crowd was definitely treat- vali. members, which made a seemingly daunting ed with an abundance of culture and talent as task, quite a rewarding and fulfilling experi- there were dances from Alicia and Alyssa These lessons are at the heart of the true ence. One can say that we exercised one of John, members of the Shiv Shakti Dance Com- meaning of Divali. It expresses the need to the many teachings of Divali, in unity and to- pany, a performance by Ramgoolie and Shiwa- illustrate goodness in the world. It accentu- getherness. lai singing group and of course, a classical ates the transition from ignorance to dance by one of Hugh Wooding’s very own, knowledge by the movement from darkness The day had arrived where all of our ideas, Leanna Ramkhelawan. to light. Knowledge encompasses education, hard work and preparation was about to be observation, reflection, experience, respecting broadcasted to a zealous and enthusiastic The featured address was given by Mr. Ru- the rights and different views of others and crowd. We were delighted to see the anticipa- dranath Maharaj, who shed light on the im- also embracing other cultures and traditions. tion on the faces of our fellow brothers and portance of Divali as lawyers and enunciated sisters who hail from different jurisdictions, as important principles and values of the holy This knowledge then transmits into actions to for most of them, this was their first taste of festival of light. Most surprisingly to the audi- improve our and other’s standard of living; to Divali celebrations. We could not disappoint ence was HWLS’ very own Bhajan Choir ie spur us on to successful enterprises and to them! singing group, which comprised not only their help others less fortunate than ourselves, all fellow students but Mrs. Nalini Persad- Salick of which was observed during this dismal peri- The lecture theatre, which is usually a ‘prison’ leading the pack! Who said all we do at Hugh od. for students, was temporarily transformed Wooding was study? into a magical palace which embraced the Thursday 12th October, 2017 was definitely a traditions and culture of Hindu beliefs. As the The Hindu society also went all out to organize night to remember and we, the Hindu Society light melody of cultural music filled the air, the the Pandavas Ramleela Group, which is hailed of 2017, are truly honoured to have contribut- ‘prison’ meticulously decorated and the excit- as the best Ramleela group in south Trinidad. ed to the joy and happiness that everyone felt.
SRC Cocktail Party: Casino ‘Casino Royale’, and students dressed to suit elries which followed with his performance of Royale (puns intended). During the formal segment of ‘Bashment Farm’, an original piece. the event, students demonstrated that they There was also a ‘best dressed’ competition, By Chevy Devonish are not all about reading cases, drafting, and applying IRAC. which saw Griffth adjudged the best dressed Students and staff of the Hugh Wooding Law male, and Makira Mendez, another first-year School turned out in refined style on 28 Octo- Second year student, Kevin Forde, in usual student, adjudged the best dressed female ber 2017 for the school’s annual cocktail recep- style, floored the crowd with a powerful rendi- student. Events such as these demonstrate tion. tion of Sam Smith’s ‘Writing on the Wall,’ while while law students appreciate hard work, they first-year student, Deshon Griffith, known in appreciate a bit of social released just as much. This year’s reception was held under the theme soca circles as ‘Farmer Ubu’, heralded the rev-
T H E G A V E L VOLUME 10 ISSUE 2 P A G E 19
Scale Modelling
By Mr. Roger Ramgoolam Amazon has spelt doom for local business which used to carry popular lines like Revell The mere mention of this topic will cause -Monogram and Airfix. Amazon has in truth most persons to pause and look puzzled. opened up new horizons for the model This would probably be followed by a com- enthusiast. Fantastic brands like Tamiya, ment along these lines: “what’s that?” Or Hasegawa, Zvezda and Hobby Boss have more likely “so you like to play with toys?” now gobbled up market share once domi- “How old are you again?” Admittedly scale nated by Monogram- Revell. The Japanese modelling is a dinosaur in Trinidad and in particular (Tamiya and Hasegawa) pro- Tobago. People aged 35 and under were duce wonderfully engineered kits which are mostly weaned on electronic entertain- easy to build but which also produce ment and were never exposed to actual stunningly realistic replicas. craft - save the usual culturally sanctioned forms like kite making and scrap book- There is also more paint than ever to ing. Admittedly scale modelling is an expen- choose from. Traditional enamels have sive craft and I emphasize that it is craft been largely eclipsed by Acrylic paints due to their ease of use and wide availability. In Trinidad it used to be one could only get Testors brand enamel model paints but now you can purchase Tamiya acrylics (my tion and fun; realism is not high on the list. favorite paint) as well as Humbrol, Vallejo I also custom airbrush my completed mod- and Model Master all on Amazon. els - I never seek to replicate the box art depiction as beautiful as it may be. My But what is the attraction with this weird invariable mess ups in airbrushed finish are craft? Scale modelling is the building of 3D sometimes the birthplace of some really puzzles (mainly ships, airplanes and cars) interesting paint jobs. If you check out with super glue. What makes it better than Instagram you can judge for yourself - out building 3D puzzles is that you get to create of madness genius sometimes appears- or new things as you build. You are not con- not! fined to building straight out of the box. I have scratch built pilot seatbelts, cockpit So… it’s time consuming (a large 1 48 scale wiring, cockpit radio equipment and have B- 17 bomber whose wingspan measures and not playing with plastic toys! rigged ships using fine nylon thread. But nearly 2 feet took me 3 months to build you can do so much more - a quick browse and paint) and it needs huge amounts of I began this life-long passion in the early through the excellent magazine Finescale patience and dedication. Sounds a bit like 1980’s and even back then at $30 TT a kit Modeller will reveal the lengths some fa- the Legal profession? Well maybe. The ( a modestly priced kit) it was expensive. natics go to by way of scratch building in thing is you spend quite a tidy sum of mon- Now a really good kit can set back an en- their pursuit of realism. I don’t scratch ey and you don’t get paid but.....you learn thusiast at least $100-$150 USD. Even so build out of compulsion but necessity. patience, hand eye coordination and you called cheap kits such as those made by develop a keen sense of colour. American giants Revell- Monogram are Admittedly due to limited time I am merely priced between $10 and $60 USD. Some a weekend warrior. My primary goals in You also get to have long conversations persons who are determined to ruin their modelling are creative expression, relaxa- with yourself late at night when battling vision also indulge their creative proclivities with a poorly engineered model or a hor- by enhancing their models with photo rendous paint job. Oh yes you also bring etched brass. The thing is, photo etch is out the artist in you. Life is not all about miniscule - pieces are frequently as tiny as work. So enjoy modelling! It’s a wonderful finger nail clippings! And these little parts lifelong hobby. Just check out Youtube - are expensive- a photo etch set for a battle there you will find videos of scale modellers ship can set you back at least $55 USD. of all ages and nationalities. They are all insanely obsessed with bettering their craft To make things worse, model kits are now and they enjoy sharing their modelling impossible to get in Trinidad. Most likely wisdom. the demand has dried up or perhaps the availability of a virtually limitless variety of Happy building! online kit purchases through e-bay and
T H E G A V E L THE GAVEL A PUBLICATION OF THE HUGH WOODING LAW SCHOOL
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 2 DECEMBER 2017
“You Can Never Pay for Kindness” A Tribute to Mrs. Dianne Marshall-Holdip
By Jonathan A. Stevenson Ms. Humphrey reflected on the times “You can never pay for kindness,” was one when Mrs. Holdip “would make pin wheel of the many pieces of wisdom which Mrs. sandwiches at home and bring them for Dianne Marshall-Holdip often gave to the staff on mornings. She would do those people around her. When Mrs. Holdip kinds of things for staff.” unfortunately passed away on the 7th No- vember 2017, many lost a beloved friend, “We need some more of her. I don’t think confidante and so much more. she can be replaced,” said Ms. Humphrey.
From her inception in August 2009 until Mrs. Adams-Stowe contributed by saying her time of passing, Mrs. Holdip served as that “Dianne epitomised the word an Assistant Registrar of the Hugh Wood- ‘passion’ – passion for the Church; passion ing Law School. She had responsibilities in for calypso, passion for steelpan; passion Human Resources Administrative, Tech- for people; passion for her work and a nical and Services Staff, student welfare great passion for life. I will miss her hu- and student affairs. mour and our nightly Whatsapp conversa- member everybody’s birthday and write tions. She is gone but we can never forget When asked about their experiences with them a card. You would never see two sets her. Sleep well Dianne.” working with Mrs. Holdip, Ms. Marlene of the same words in her cards because Herriera and Ms. Natalie Connell told the she wrote from very deep within— Captivated by Mrs. Holdip’s passion and Gavel that she, “went above and beyond everyone was unique to her.” enthusiasm, Ms. Karema Lynch, the for- the call of duty. She was very resourceful mer Welfare Officer of the Student Repre- and made things happen – her brain was They also intimated that, Mrs. Holdip “was sentative Council was impressed by the ticking all the time.” not only an Assistant Registrar, but she fact that Mrs. Holdip would meet with her was a friend, mother and confidante in on mornings at 7:30am – that, “the busy They described Mrs. Holdip as, “an ap- one. She grew to love the people of the Assistant Registrar would arrive extra early proachable Supervisor, friend and confi- Law School and this was a part of her life on mornings just to discuss student wel- dante. Most people would confide in her she was not ready to part with. She was fare.” and she respected boundaries. At no point very loyal and committedCredit: CaribbeanElections to her job right did she breach confidentiality.” down to the end.” Ms. Lynch added that, “Mrs. Holdip ap- proached each scenario that I brought to When asked about Mrs. Holdip’s personal- Ms. Alana Humphrey, the Registrar of the her with care and attention, with a special ity, they said, “she was very approachable Law School, commented that the Assistant interest in any foreign student who was in any situation, whether personal or work- Registrars, Mrs. Holdip and Mrs. Margaret facing difficulties with food, rent or fees. wise. When she corrected you, she never Adams-Stowe, were “her left and right Her altruism was truly inspiring.” did it out of context or was disrespectful – arms.” Without Mrs. Holdip, “I am dis- she always did it out of love and to make membered,” said Ms. Humphrey. you grow. She was a stickler for proper Mrs. Holdip was indeed a treasured mem- language, context, tone, grammar and When asked about Mrs. Holdip’s work ber of staff of the Law School and her spelling; never hesitating to use a rod of ethic, Ms. Humphrey said that she memory will be cherished in the hearts of correction on co-workers and students “worked too many hours, particularly many for years to come. The Gavel Editori- when they erred.” around the time of reviews – she would al Committee extends its deepest condo- come to work around 7:00am and would lences to the family and friends of Mrs. They added that, “she would always re- sometimes leave around 11:00pm.” Dianne Marshall-Holdip.