Regional Recognition as TCI Bar President Mark Fulford Called to the St. Lucian Bar

Local attorney Mark Fulford (centre) is flanked by Justice Alvin S. Pariagsingh (left) and the female Justice Cenac-Phulgence

In a courtroom filled with anticipation, history was made on 23rd September 2025 as Mark A. Fulford, President of the Turks and Caicos Islands Bar Association, donned his robes and stood before the Honourable Madame Justice Cenac-Phulgence, who co-presided over the proceedings, to be called to the Bar of St. Lucia.

For the first time, a Turks and Caicos Islander has joined the St. Lucian legal fraternity, a moment that drew warm applause and recognition from across the region.

In welcoming him, Justice Alvin S. Pariagsingh who co-presided noted: “Mr. Mark Fulford brings seasoned experience. As Managing Partner of a major firm in the Turks and Caicos Islands, as President of the TCI Bar Council, as an arbitrator and tribunal chair, he has led not only in practice but in governance of the profession itself. He has worked in banking, finance, government, and international arbitration. His admission here adds a distinguished voice to our Bar.”

The significance of Fulford’s admission was also highlighted by the President of the St. Lucia Bar Association, Mr. Ramon Raveneau, who said:

“Mark Fulford’s admission to our Bar is both historic and symbolic. He is a distinguished leader in his own homeland, where he has spearheaded reforms, chaired institutions, and elevated the standing of the profession. To have him join our fraternity in St. Lucia is not only an honour, it is a reminder of the strength we gain when the Caribbean works together. His achievements prove that small jurisdictions can produce leaders of regional and international calibre, and we are proud to welcome him among us.”

Ramon Raveneau, President of St Lucia Bar Association congratulates Mark Fulford, who is President of TCI Bar Association, and who was called to the St. Lucia Bar Association.

Fulford embraced these words in his own remarks, telling the Bench and Bar:

“Our destiny, like the waves that tie our islands together, is shared. This call affirms that our voices, our people, and our profession are respected across the region.”

The TCI Bar President underscored the dignity of being admitted in an independent Caribbean nation, saying it highlighted the strength of sovereignty and regional solidarity. He also drew attention to TCI’s pioneering reforms, including the world’s first court-issued Practice Direction on the use of Artificial Intelligence in proceedings.

“TCI has shown that vision, not size, is what drives progress,” Fulford said. “As we connect with our regional brothers and sisters, we bring forward a message of unity, justice, and innovation.”

For Turks and Caicos, the achievement is being celebrated as a national milestone, proof that its legal profession is earning respect and recognition across the Caribbean stage.