Yesterday’s gathering at the St Michael’s Cathedral to mark the opening of the legal year was historic, in that it was the first multi-faith service held to mark the occasion.
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Themed Walking Together: Human Life And Civic Responsibility, it was attended by President The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason – a former Justice of Appeal, as well as Chief Justice Leslie Haynes, Acting Attorney General Wilfred Abrahams, judges of the Court of Appeal and High Court, magistrates and attorneys, among others.
Speaking afterwards during a special sitting in Supreme Court No. 1 at the Supreme Court Complex on Whitepark Road, St Michael, Haynes said the historic service was a move which “reflects the fact that Barbados has evolved into a multi-cultural society which is reflected in all walks of life, and of course, in the composition of the Bar. Consequently, the theme of this years’ service is quite apt”.
He added that all of the readings during the service, “from the Old and New Testaments, The Koran and from the Rig Veda and the Bhagavad Gita, instruct on the treatment of our neighbour”.
Haynes also announced that effective immediately, judges could be addressed by attorneys as “Your Honour” rather than “Mi Lawd” and “Mi Lady”, which could now be deemed outdated, given the country’s move to republic status.
Abrahams, speaking to the media outside the Supreme Court, lauded the service for embracing a variety of faiths.
“Barbados is predominantly a Christian country. We have to accept as well that the country has multiple faiths in it, and the Bar as a microcosm of Barbados also is composed of lawyers and members who come from different religious backgrounds.”
Meanwhile, in his sermon Dean Dr Jeffrey Gibson drew reference to the biblical parable of the Good Samaritan, which “reminds us of the profound impact of compassion and kindness . . . . In the parable, a Samaritan’s actions demonstrate what it means to be a neighbour”.
He added: “What would happen if we don’t stop to help victims of violence, or anyone who has a grievance to be addressed in the context of the law? As we reflect on the administration of justice, we are reminded that it should be about restoring breaches, reclaiming the neighbour on the basis of justice, and re-envisioning a community where love, justice and peace prevail. Duty towards our neighbour is the most important consideration, stemming from moral obligation, humanitarian principles and empathy.” (SD)