TCI Bar Honours Distinguished Members of the Profession at Inaugural AGM Awards
- NewslineTCI
- 35 minutes ago
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The Turks and Caicos Islands Bar Association hosted its First Annual AGM Awards Ceremony recently at the Royal Turks and Caicos Golf Club, marking a significant and historic moment for the legal profession in the Islands.
The introduction of the AGM Awards establishes a new institutional tradition, one grounded in recognising service, leadership, and the enduring contributions of those who have shaped the development of the Bar and the administration of justice.
Collectively, the awards reflected the full spectrum of service to the profession, including advocacy, public service, institutional leadership, and the often unseen work that sustains the legal system.
In an evening defined by reflection, dignity, and professional fellowship, the Association honoured members of the Bar across several categories of distinction.
Order of the Bar – Service Recognition
The highest honour of the evening, the Order of the Bar, was conferred upon individuals whose contributions have had a lasting and shaping impact on the profession:
Ariel Misick KC
Carlos Simons KC
Both honourees were recognised for their distinguished service, intellectual leadership, and meaningful contributions to the legal and constitutional development of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
President’s Recognition of Service
The President’s Recognition of Service was presented to individuals whose contributions reflect commitment, professionalism, and support for the strength and continuity of the Bar:
Hon. Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles KC
Jonathan Katan KC
Rasheeda Ewing
Kenisha Bacchus
Each was acknowledged for their respective roles in strengthening the administration of justice, upholding professional standards, and contributing to the work and institutional development of the Bar.
Long Service to the Law Award
The Long Service to the Law Award was presented to:
Desiree Downes
Ms Downes was recognised for her many years of dedicated service as Chief Legislative Drafter, and for her significant contribution to the development of the statutory framework of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Her work, though often undertaken outside of public view, has had a profound and lasting impact on the legal system and institutional stability of the jurisdiction.
Tribute to Former Presidents and Leaders
The Association also paid tribute to former Presidents and leaders of the Bar, acknowledging their stewardship and the role they have played in shaping the institution over time.
In recognising that leadership is carried forward across generations, the Bar took the opportunity to honour those present who have contributed to its continued strength and development.
Those present to receive their awards were:
Conrad Griffiths KC
Richard Savory KC
George Missick
In Memoriam
The Association also paused to honour and remember members of the profession who have passed, acknowledging their enduring contribution and the foundation they helped to build.
The event was well attended by members of the Bar, members of the Judiciary, and invited guests, reflecting strong support for the Association and its work.
In his remarks, the President of the Bar, Mark A. Fulford, reflected on the significance of the evening:
“A profession is not built in a moment. It is built over time, through service, through leadership, and through a shared commitment to something greater than ourselves. Tonight is about recognising those who have carried that responsibility.”
He noted that the introduction of the AGM Awards represents the beginning of an enduring tradition, one that ensures the contributions of members of the Bar are formally recognised and preserved for future generations.
The Turks and Caicos Islands Bar Association intends for these awards to become a permanent feature of its Annual General Meeting, reinforcing a culture of recognition, continuity, and professional excellence. In doing so, the Bar affirms that the strength of the profession lies not only in its present, but in its ability to honour its past and invest in its future.