GG truly grateful
GOVERNOR General Dame Sandra Mason, former Appeal Court Judge is feeling grateful to have been elevated to the highest office of the land.
Dame Sandra once again expressed her gratitude yesterday, as she addressed members of the Judiciary and BAR who gathered for a luncheon at Cin Cin by the Sea, Prospect, St James, to honour her.
“I thank God for waking me up. I thank God for Matthew [son], I thank God for my family, I thank God for the opportunity to get a house that nobody can take from me, not even the bank.”
“I thank God for my friends, and anything I could think of I thank God for. I really wanted to be here. Every morning I wake up I think about the Courts. So on this occasion, I would want to really start by saying thank you to all you people here. I want to thank all of you for the impact you, at some stage would have made on my life,” a thankful Dame Sandra said during her brief remarks.
Among those dignitaries that attended the special occasion was Chief Justice Sir Marston Gibson, Chief Magistrate Christopher Berch, Registrar of the Supreme Court Barbara Cooke-Alleyne and Director of Public Prosecutions Donna Babb-Agard, QC.
In his tribute, the Chief Magistrate thanked the Governor General for the mentorship role she has played in his life, noting that she always encouraged him, as she did with many others, to reach for success. Magistrate Birch also thanked Dame Sandra for all that she has done for the promotion of the law profession in Barbados.
“There are some people who see another person’s elevation in terms of a loss. Your elevation mam is gain. A gain for all of us here present. . .We gain because it is always good to salute those with proven wisdom and someone who is always generous with their advice.”
“I think like all of us present, when the phone rings and you look and you see Dame Sandra Mason, you knew two things. One, you better pay attention. Two, pull over by the side of the road and listen to what she is about to say. The theme of hope is also very much part of your elevation,” Magistrate Birch said.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions, said that the Governor General’s journey to the highest office of the land has been measured by accomplishing “firsts” not only by dint of her gender, but by exemplifying how far hard work; determination; integrity; and a passion for what you love, will take you.
“I am confident that Your Excellency would agree with me that the rewards which inevitably flowed from your stellar contributions to the reformation in the region, have been bestowed – not by man – but with God’s righteous right band on your life. All things are possible, with God,” Babb-Agard said.
Queen’s Counsel Pat Cheltenham also commended Dame Sandra for her outstanding achievements, including the fact that she always aspired to reach academic and professional excellence. (AH)