Basseterre, St. Kitts (December 20, 2005): Magistrates, the Legal Bar, Magistrate Court staff and legal associates bade farewell to Magistrate Donald Browne, last Thursday.
During a special sitting of the Magistrates Court Her Worship Mrs. Josephine Mallalieu-Webbe commenced the proceedings with opening remarks. Representatives from the Bar then proceeded to recall exchanges with the departing Magistrate. Attorney Vernon Viera said that Magistrate Browne brought a level of comfort to the bench in that all presenting before him were allowed to express their opinions on the law and the facts while representing their clients. He said that he hoped that Magistrate Browne's replacement would foster the same spirit.
Attorney Angela Innis who spoke on behalf of her father and herself said that Magistrate Browne brought a balance of wisdom and understanding to not only the law but wider issues as well, particularly those involving families. She said that several troubled youth who she spoke to following his sittings said that they listened to his advise and mentioned that no one had ever spoken to them that way before. She said that made a difference to several of the young offenders that she represented.
Likewise, Probation/Truancy Officer Mr. Kervin Lloyd said that Magistrate Browne had a positive impact on youth. Mr. Lloyd personally thanked him for taking the time to listen to and advise the youth that came before him. The Probation Officer emphasized that Magistrate Browne gave the young people options on how to make more wise decisions that would lead to a disciplined and productive life.
Remarks were also made by Attorney General Honourable Delano Bart and attorneys including Lynch Wade Sr., Glenford Hamilton, Joseph Quinland and Hesketh Benjamin.
