during our time , but it remains a fundamental issue which may pose a challenge to the long-term development of the Faculty .
If we are just satisfied with being “ average ” amongst our sister Faculties in the region , perhaps we can just give ourselves a collective “ pat on the back ”. However , if the aim is to become the premier Faculty of Law in the region , we must work assiduously and continue on the trajectory we have thus far plotted together . The onus is a collective one ; one which both the Faculty and student body must face together . Our time now will indeed be formative to our planned professional life . It is imperative in these “ birthing stages ” that we hold fast to the core values which led to the formation of a Faculty of Law dedicated to the teaching of West Indian jurisprudence .
As the faculty takes its first steps to become an institution capable of providing for the legal needs of the country and society at large , we may be guided in this quest by the words of the Council of Legal Education for the West Indies . In 1972 , some years after several Caribbean states attained their independence from Great Britain ; the newly established Council of Legal Education penned its vision for a new generation of Caribbean lawyers :
“ Hopefully , he will be skilled in the practice of the law ; but this he should be able to do with compassion and with an acute awareness of the anatomy of his West Indian condition ; and with the vision and hope of the law reformers and most importantly , with a deep sense of service to the law , to his client and to his community .”
So as we take a look back , let us not only reminisce on the tales of the past , but instead , let us go forward ever mindful of our rich history and tradition of excellence . We must always endeavour not just to meet the bar set by those before us , but surpass it as we move forward as a burgeoning Faculty .
The new addition to the St . Augustine Faculty of Law which opened its doors in January 2012 to facilitate the faculty ’ s expansion .
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