St. Augustine Legal Affairs (STALA) Issue 2 | Page 3

I congratulate the UWI St.
Augustine Law Society on
this, the second issue of your
flagship magazine – St. Augustine Legal Affairs (STALA) - well done! When I see
successful initiatives completed and delivered predominantly by our student
body, I not only feel a sense
of achievement that we are
delivering on our promise to
create professionals for our
country and region, but also because I feel confident
that our legal system is in good hands!

My dear students, the profession of law is one
that is very important. No ordered society can exist
without some form of legal system. It protects the fundamental rights of every citizen irrespective of race,
creed, ethnicity, class, gender or religion. The words
of our national anthem remind us that our nation was
“forged from the love of liberty”, and that “every creed
and race” is entitled to “find and equal place”. In short,
law is therefore concerned with liberty and enlightenment; civility and justice; equal opportunity and the
protection of human rights.

As members of the legal fraternity in Trinidad

and Tobago and the region, you therefore must be conscious of the critical role you play in society and make
a personal commitment to hold yourself to the highest standard of moral and ethical conduct. Your actions
must be guided by a strong set of values including honesty, integrity, loyalty, fair play and goodwill toward
all men. Indeed, these are important ingredients that
will not only help you to build strong legal careers, but
even more importantly, these are the ingredients that
will build and sustain our beloved country and region.

I therefore encourage you all to be of service to
others. See it as your duty and responsibility to use your
knowledge and skills to uplift societies and communities in Trinidad and Tobago and the region. Be prepared
to give as much to society as you are willing to give to
yourself. In that way you will not only experience personal and professional satisfaction, you will also keep
the UWI flag flying high through your commitment to
excellence in service. Remember – what truly counts in
life is not the title one holds, but the contribution one
makes to society.

Dearest Law Family, it is
with your continued faith
and support that we are able
to accomplish all things. In
this breath, it is my honour
to present to you on behalf
of the UWI STA Law Society, the second edition of our
pilot magazine, St. Augustine
Legal Affairs “STALA.” A
great amount of credit must
be given to the Publications Committee, who through
their strong and dedicated efforts spanning countless
hours have cemented a publication that is sure to excite
and exhibit but a fraction of the beautiful elements that
makes us a distinct Faculty. So much can happen in a
year.
As future members of the legal fraternity, and presently students together, the bonds we forge today brings
the results that plants the seeds of a brighter tomorrow. Pages like these go beyond paper. They crystallise,

touch and rejuvenate memories of the moments that we
have shared together and for years to come we will share
many more. We, as a Law Society, carefully craft a legacy
to make a difference and to one day reflect on being part
of something special. Laying claim to being amongst the
first crop of the trendsetters, flourishing into the leaders of tomorrow and as my good friend Matthew Peters,
Post Graduate Representative, puts it, law students are
amongst the most special of students in their distinct
knowledge and ability.
My Family, remember that despite the academic weight
being amongst the most strenuous that emphasises the
importance of staying focused, it is critical also to take
breathers and breaks. Live and enjoy these moments,
embedded memories that we are all blessed to have.
Thank You and God Bless! Enjoy!

Professor Clement K. Sankat
Pro Vice Chancellor and Campus Principal
The University of the West Indies
St. Augustine, Trinidad

Asif A. Hosein-Shah
President.
UWI St. Augustine Law Society (2013-2014)