Historic Call to the Bar

The hush of the courtroom gave way to a ripple of applause on 23rd September 2025 as the Honourable Madame Justice Cenac-Phulgence presided over the admission of Mark A. Fulford, President of the Turks and Caicos Islands Bar Association, to the Bar of St. Lucia.

Fulford, robed and standing with humility, became the first known attorney from the Turks and Caicos Islands to be admitted in St. Lucia. He was supported by Mr. Ramon Raveneau, President of the St. Lucia Bar Association, and welcomed warmly into the fraternity of the Bench and Bar.

Justice Alvin S. Pariagsingh, delivering the formal address, placed the moment in context: “Mr. Mark Fulford brings seasoned experience… His admission here adds a distinguished voice to our Bar.”

In his own remarks, Fulford placed the event within the wider vision of Caribbean integration:

“This call is not ceremony alone — it is regional integration in practice. When lawyers are admitted across borders, when our Bars and judiciaries collaborate, we show the world that Caribbean unity is more than aspiration; it is reality.”

He tied his admission to the broader regional vision championed by St. Lucia’s Prime Minister, Hon. Philip J. Pierre:

“Prime Minister Pierre has often reminded us that our destiny is inextricably linked; CARICOM is strongest when we act together. Today, those words find meaning.”

The significance of Fulford’s admission was underscored 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.”

Fulford also pledged to share Turks and Caicos’ pioneering experience with AI in the courts: “Our islands may be small, but our ambitions are great. Together, we can be influential, respected, and united in shaping the future of law and justice.”

The admission was hailed across the legal community as both historic and symbolic, affirming that the Caribbean’s strength lies in cooperation, recognition, and shared destiny.