BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, APRIL 7TH 2014 (CUOPM) – St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister the Right Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas says the twin-island Federation has lost “lost a great son with the death of Mr. Joseph Samuel Archibald, QC, whose career was marked by a dizzying array of extraordinary accomplishments.”
“And his life story bears powerful testimony both to the unique gifts with which he was blessed, as well as to his well demonstrated and life-long commitment to the pursuit of excellence,” said the Prime Minister in a statement issued over the weekend.
Dr. Douglas noted that over his distinguished career, Joseph Archibald, began his education in St. Kitts at the Basseterre Boys’ School and served in his native land as a magistrate, High Court Registrar, Senior Crown Counsel, President of the Civil Service Association, and Director of Prosecutions.
“He served as the principal law officer of the Government, was a member of both executive and legislative councils, and served as a British Virgin Islands Administrator’s Deputy. He was a private attorney, a trial lawyer, and attorney general of St. Kitts- Nevis-Anguilla,” Dr. Douglas said in his statement.
Prime Minister Douglas also noted that Mr. Archibald was elected founding president of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States Bar Association and served as a Justice of the Court of Appeal of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court and Chairman of the Eastern Caribbean’s Civil Justice Task Force.
“The name “Joseph Samuel Archibald, Q.C.” is one of 18 names inscribed on the Rule of Law Monument in Austria, all 18 persons being outstanding members of the World Jurists Association. So, too must his name be etched in our hearts and minds as a son of extraordinary gift, unfailing application, and astounding service and accomplishment,” Dr. Douglas added.
“I was honoured to know Joseph Samuel Archibald. I was, and shall forever be, inspired by his example. I am grateful to have been able to call him my friend. To all who knew and loved him, I extend heartfelt condolences, especially to his wife, Inez , daughters, brother, sister and family members,” said Prime Minister Douglas, who met Mr. Archibald for the last time on 7th February 2014 during a Town Hall Meeting with nationals of St. Kitts and Nevis in Tortola.
In 2012, Mr. Archibald accepted an invitation from Prime Minister Douglas to deliver the Fourth Annual Prime Minister’s Independence Lecture Series on “A Nevisian Family in St. Kitts: A 100-Year Glance – Dignity, Discipline, Purpose, Independence.”
Prime Minister Douglas last met Mr. Archibald on February 7th 2014, when the latter attended a Town Hall Meeting in Tortola.