Found at: http://www.anguillaguide.com/article/articleprint/5447/-1/140/
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Acceptance Speech By Dame Dr. Bernice Lake, QC
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The following is the Acceptance Speech made by Dame, Dr. Bernice Lake, QC, at the Cape Hill Campus of the University of the West Indies, where an Honorary Doctorate Degree was conferred on her.
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Dame, Dr. Bernice Lake, QC, making address at dinner
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Recently, Dame Bernice Lake, Q.C., was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Law Degree from the University of the West Indies, Cape Hill Campus, Barbados, conferred at the 2007 Graduation Ceremony. The significance of this honour is impossible to describe in this short article; however, suffice it to say that it may be like getting into Heaven before your time and having an opportunity to stand at the foot of your society and hear praise for lifetime achievements and merit. In this case, the praise formally and joyously was delivered by the High University Chancellery. Notably, Honorary Doctorate Degrees only come to the most humble yet acclaimed individuals, who have also demonstrated scholastic excellence in their professional life, while maintaining exemplary ethical standards in every aspect of their existence. Over the years, others so honoured by the University of the West Indies have included Haile Selassi I of Ethiopia, H.M. Queen Elizabeth Queen Mother (Hon D Litt) and General Colin Powell (LLD).
In this instance, the High University Chancellery was seemingly gushing with enthusiasm regarding this bestowal and rolled out the royal carpet with demonstrable warmth, accolades and affection. Dame Bernice was honoured and humbled and nearly overwhelmed, as she was surrounded by her loving family, friends and many Eastern Caribbean jurisprudence colleagues and collaborators from both her early professional years and more recent endeavours.
The graduation festivities began with an on-campus banquet in honour of the four Honorary Graduands, Sir Courtney Blackman, Mr. Geoffrey Cave, Dame Bernice Lake, and His Excellency, Dr. Nicholas Liverpool. The dinner was hosted along with remarks and congratulations offered by Sir George Alleyne, Chancellor, and Professor Hilary Beckles, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Principle. Dame Bernice had been invited to speak on behalf of the four Honorary Graduands. (Those remarks will be published at a later date.) In short, Dame Bernice moved and inspired her esteemed audience, as evidenced by the standing ovation at the close of her remarks.
The dinner began with a cocktail gathering, where old friends and acquaintances from the West Indies and around the world gathered in recognition of the four honourees. All paused and made a path for His Excellency, Dr. Nicholas Liverpool, President of Dominica, to be the first to greet Dame Bernice Lake upon her arrival. This black-tie affair was remarkable in many senses, but the tuxedoes and stunning ladies’ attire might have been mistaken for a gathering of fashion designers instead of reputedly reserved academics. The banquet room was elegantly decorated with tall, stately vases of tropical flowers, and refined linens, silver and goblets. The banquet was served with majestic style and precision timing by cordial servers. It was by all accounts a most delightful evening that ended only minutes after midnight.
Early the next day, an entourage of friends and family ventured over to The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, to view the display of mementos highlighting the achievements of the four honourees. The display is intended to commemorate the works and contributions of the Honorary Graduands and to inspire the students, faculty and administration as they routinely enter the focal point of high academics − the University Library. This display will remain throughout the upcoming academic year as a reminder to all who pass that service and achievement begins with early academics followed by a lifelong commitment to public and universal good.
The graduation activities began in a private room, where the commencement regalia were donned. The Honorary Doctorates’ were robed by the University officials in keeping with their newly acquired honours depicted by the unique colors the gowns, hoods and mortarboards. So adorned, Dame Bernice was especially radiant in the procession, as she made her way to a seat of distinction on the auditorium dais near the Chancellor. The graduation ceremony started with the Chancellor’s address, the Vice-Chancellor’s report and then the conferment of Honorary Degrees. Then, the University Public Orator, Dr. Henry Fraser, read the “Degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa” of the University of the West Indies citation for Dame Bernice Lake. The moving rendition of her notable achievements was also a personal acknowledgment, because Dr. Fraser had also known her for many years. He proudly remarked that Dame Bernice was a graduate of the University of the West Indies, the first female West Indian to “take silk” as a Queens Counsel (QC), followed by a litany of notable accomplishments.
Her citation was followed by the honoris causa conferment on His Excellency, Dr. Nicholas J. O. Liverpool, the democratically elected President of Dominica. Notably, Dr. Fraser praised “His Excellency” for his judicial and jurisprudence scholarship as well as being a man of and for the people of the West Indies. Then, Chancellor Sir George Alleyne called upon His Excellency to address the company and deliver his Commencement Address. In his address, His Excellency was moved to tell the company that this University of the West Indies honoris causa degree was his most cherished honour.
Following the commencement address, the eight hundred or so remaining graduating students were appropriately called to the chair and presented their diplomas. The graduating students were gloriously recognized with every possible measure of splendour and celebration. Then, with newly minted diplomas in hand, the graduating class, including Dame Bernice Lake honoris causa, joined the Chancellor’s recession ending the ceremony.
Exuberant congratulations and photo taking followed the formal graduation ceremony, as High University Chancellery, friends and family gathered around Dame Bernice, His Excellency, Dr. Liverpool and Chancellor Sir George Alleyne. It was a very special milestone not only for Dame Bernice, but also for Anguilla, represented by this accomplishment, as well.
Finally, it seems fitting that this story would close by updating the title of Anguilla’s newest “Doctor”: Dame Bernice V. Lake, DGCN, Q.C., B.A. Hons., LLB (Lond.) Hon. LLD (UWI).