JUSTICE SIR BRIAN GEORGE KEITH ALLEYNE, SC
Brian George Keith Alleyne was born in Dominica, West Indies on April 28th, 1943, the son of Justice Keith Alleyne and his wife Hermia. Justice Keith Alleyne was the renowned Queens Council, Attorney General of the Windward Islands, and acting Judge of the Windward and Leeward Islands High Court. Brian studied law at the Gibson & Weldon School of Law, and at Lincoln's Inn where he was called to the Bar in November 1966. He was admitted to the Bar of the Commonwealth of Dominica in January 1967.
Justice Brian Alleyne has distinguished himself through his indefatigable service to his country and the region, his fellowmen, and the Law. His integrity, genuine commitment and concern for justice and honesty, coupled with his wisdom and patience, together with his clear and incisive thinking, have allowed him to serve equitably and fearlessly in numerous capacities. It is also these qualities that earned him an early reputation as 'lawyer to the poor'.
Following in the tradition of distinguished lawyers such as Cecil Rawle, Grantley Adams and Eugenia Charles, Brian entered politics and served 16 years in the Dominica Parliament. There he gained a reputation as a thorough legal mind and an astute diplomat. He was variously Senator, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Minister of Home Affairs, and Minister of External Affairs. On many occasions, in the absence of the then Prime Minister Eugenia Charles, the Honorable Brian Alleyne served as Dominica's Acting Prime Minister. Further, in times of raging dispute and national upheaval, Brian's was the enlightened voice of calm, reason and resolution. For his outstanding diplomacy, the Republic of China in 1990 awarded him the Order of the Brilliant Star. His elevation to Senior Counsel (SC) of the Dominica Bar followed in 1991.
Apart from serving as chairman or member of the Board of several companies, Brian also gave substantial service to the various local and regional organizations of the legal profession. Among other positions, he was Vice President and Secretary of the Dominica Bar Association, Director and Vice President of the Organization of Commonwealth Caribbean Bar Associations, and Director of the Caribbean Human Rights and Legal Aid Company.
Justice Alleyne is highly regarded by his professional colleagues for his legal talent, astute leadership, and integrity. In recognition of these qualities, Brian was appointed High Court Judge of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court in 1996. He was later elevated to Justice of Appeals, the position he currently holds. He is now the Acting Chief Justice in that Court. Throughout his career, Justice Alleyne has consistently shown outstanding political and legal leadership, integrity, selflessness and a generous spirit. Fittingly, in July 2007, for his distinguished service to the OECS region and to the Law, Justice Alleyne was knighted.
Justice Sir Brian Alleyne is married to Brenda Alleyne (nee McMillan) of St. Vincent, has two sons, a daughter and six grand children. Despite his high office, he remains a humble, sincere and caring man. He finds time, along with his wife, to volunteer in his church's marriage encounter program, and to pursue his hobbies of reading, hiking and sailing. He plans to return home to Dominica on his retirement.
For his distinguished service to the region, his integrity and his generous spirit, DAAS honors Justice Sir Brian George Keith Alleyne.
Contributed by
Michael White
August 2007
See also:
ECSC Speeches and Presentations
