The launch of Within the Law, Memoirs of A Caribbean Jurist, the autobiography of retired Chief Justice Michael de la Bastide, saw a list of lawyers and judges turn out to pay tribute to the eminent jurist. The launch took place virtually on Wednesday.
The MC, Appeal Court judge Gillian Lucky, said the book was a page-turner, fashioned with the meticulousness which was part of de la Bastide’s nature.
Justice Kathy Ann Waterman-Latchoo, who collaborated on the book, said initially she wondered what type of book it would be when they started.
“I asked him how much he wanted to reveal, because I thought it would surprise people. I realised he didn’t want a eulogy or a list of achievements.
"There’s nothing boring in this book, just Justice de la Bastide’s honesty, vulnerability, and impeccable timing in delivering a punchline.”
She said de la Bastide, whose sight and hearing are fading, had begun the process of writing the book by dictating chapters into a recorder, and the recording was then transcribed. These covered his boyhood, from climbing trees to living near the Young Brigade calypso tent.
“We would have conversations, usually on Saturday mornings. We’d laugh and talk and record the conversations, I’d write the chapter and read it back to him and he’d say, 'I think you need to put a comma there.'
"I also did research, reading his notes, going to the national library, archives, checking dates.
"He was always gracious, patient, fun to talk to, and his legendary wit has not decreased over time. He was frank and open, and I appreciated his candour. The pages are sprinkled with his wonderful sense of humour, weaved through many enjoyable stories.
"One of my favourite quotes is, 'Be intolerant. Be intolerant of incompetence, of inefficiency, and of inertia. Be as intolerant of these as you are or should be of injustice. If intolerance of this kind would spread, who knows what wonders we might perform.'”
Master Christie-Anne Morris-Alleyne said she had worked with de la Bastide for 17 years, and he was remembered by many others who had worked in court administration.
“I commend Waterman-Latchoo on how well the clarity of his mind has been allowed to shine through," she said.
"A fond memory was him shouting at us, 'Unshackle me!' He was known as 'the Bull,' and he was frustrated that he was not allowed to be one in a public-sector china shop, not allowed to rattle some cages.
"I admired the courage of his convictions. He was never afraid to say you – or he – was wrong.
"He has lived through some of the key historical events in our nation, and was present for the birth of our court administration and the foundation of the birth of the CCJ (Caribbean Court of Justice). I hope the book delights and edifies you, moves you deeper into his ethos, and that you share it with your children and grandchildren.”
Law Association president Sophia Chote said de la Bastide was already a legend in 1975 because he led an exciting life as a barrister and attorney-at-law.
“He became the first chief justi
