The legal profession is one that societies rightly hold to the highest standards. Lawyers are not only trained in the law, but they are also entrusted with upholding it. In Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, there has been a notable increase in the number of individuals entering the legal profession. While education is always commendable, I believe our country would benefit from greater diversification in areas of study. St. Vincent and the Grenadines continues to experience a serious shortage of professionals in psychology, psychiatry, medicine, and the broader social services, fields that are critically needed to support the well-being of our society.
That said, let me return to the core issue at hand.
For many years, the legal profession in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has been regarded as one of prestige. But prestige is not meant to signify power over people, it signifies responsibility to people. When individuals attend law school, they are taught to uphold the law, defend justice, and protect the rights of others, not to manipulate legal knowledge to exploit or oppress the vulnerable.
Unfortunately, there are lawyers in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines who are engaging in unethical and, in some cases, unlawful practices. This is a direct violation of one of the most fundamental principles of any democratic society: the rule of law. The rule of law applies to everyone, without exception. No lawyer is above it.
As officers of the court, lawyers should be setting the example. They should be guardians of justice, not architects of exploitation. Using legal education to take advantage of indigent, uneducated, or vulnerable individuals is a profound abuse of power.
Recently, I noted that our Attorney General, Louise Mitchell, has proposed legislation to be debated in the House of Parliament, reportedly in the first quarter, aimed at strengthening accountability and ethical oversight within the legal profession. On this matter, I commend her. This legislation is both necessary and overdue. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines needs a clear and enforceable framework to regulate professional conduct within the legal field.
There are hundreds of Vincentians who have suffered at the hands of unethical lawyers, individuals who have lost land, had money misappropriated, or paid for legal services that were never rendered. These are not isolated incidents. They represent a systemic failure that demands action.
If we, as citizens, demand accountability from our government, we must also demand accountability from our legal professionals. No profession should be immune from scrutiny, especially one entrusted with protecting justice.
To the many lawyers who practice with integrity, compassion, and professionalism: I commend you. Your work matters, and your example uplifts the profession.
To those who do not: you must do better. Do not use your education to exploit people. Use it to empower them. Stop engaging in illegal and unethical practices. The law is meant to serve the people, not to be weaponized against them.
Accountability is not an attack. It is a necessity!
The following is an opinion piece submitted by an editorial contributor. The views expressed are entirely those of the author.
