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Gavin Glover, S.C., Attorney General of Mauritius 

“We must restore pride and purpose to our judiciary”

  • “At the top of my priorities will be making justice more accessible”
  • “For too long, the system has been perceived as slow, intimidating, and out of reach for outsiders. This must change.”

The Attorney General’s inaugural address outlined a focused and pragmatic vision for his tenure, emphasizing the need for greater accessibility, accountability, and reform in the justice system. Gavin Glover, S.C., acknowledged existing perceptions of a slow and intimidating legal system, and proposed measures such as modernizing court infrastructure, introducing automated transcription systems, and addressing challenges within the judiciary, including talent retention and infrastructure development. Reflecting on his appointment, he evoked his sense of duty, citing his responsibility as a state scholar and his commitment to public service. The Attorney General also addressed concerns about the classification of legal practitioners as “traders,” advocating for regulatory changes to uphold the profession’s integrity. He further affirmed his commitment to maintaining the traditions of the Bar while adapting to the demands of a modern legal system, expressing a determination to work collaboratively toward meaningful reform.

The theme chosen by the Mauritius Bar Association (MBA) for its annual conference, on Friday, at the Intercontinental Resort, in Balaclava, brought together key figures of the legal profession, including the Director of Public Prosecutions, Judges of the Supreme Court, the Solicitor General, Magistrates, and Senior Counsels from both the private and public sectors. The wider community of lawyers also gathered. However, one notable member of the legal community was absent on the morning of this grand occasion, where the MBA was also celebrating a handful of senior lawyers who have stood for 50 years at the Bar.

 

What would this day have been without the presence and keynote address of the Attorney General of Mauritius? While the audience eagerly awaited discussions by eminent panellists on sensitive and important topics such as ‘Constitutional Reform,’ ‘The Barrister within the Machinery of Justice,’ and ‘Social Media, Publicity and Barristers,’ it was the swearing-in of the new Attorney General that seemed to take centre stage in the afternoon. Nearly 12 hours after the registration and start of the conference, the much-anticipated figure of the day finally arrived at his first official conference dinner, just a few hours after the swearing-in ceremony at the State House in Réduit.

 

Upon his arrival at the conference, he was warmly welcomed, shaking hands with each attendee. His appointment was met with further endorsement, accompanied by a long and prolonged applause from his colleagues and the legal community, as he took the stage to deliver his first speech.

 

His attempt to conceal his emotions — while glancing at the audience and pressing his lips together — was not entirely successful, as he confessed during his address: “I’m getting emotional.”

 

The Attorney General’s inaugural speech set the tone for his tenure, outlining a vision focused on making justice more accessible and equitable. “At the top of my priorities will be making justice more accessible to the average citizen. For too long, the system has been perceived as slow, intimidating, and out of reach for outsiders. This must change. Whether through modernizing court infrastructure, introducing automated transcription systems, or rethinking how we approach the goal of justice, accountability must be the key. The focus will be on ensuring that our legal system truly serves it,” he stated.

 

The Attorney General also stressed the need to enhance the judiciary and confront the challenges it faces. “Our courts are not just buildings; they are the beating heart of our democracy. Yet, we have seen talent drained, infrastructure neglected, and morale diminished. My goal is to reverse this trend. Whether it’s by revitalizing the old Supreme Court into a building to house a new Court of Appeal, including a constitutional court, or by addressing the exodus of skilled judicial officers, we must restore pride and purpose to our judiciary,” he explained.

 

Acknowledging the growth of the legal profession in recent years, he stated that “the challenges faced by young barristers today demand urgent attention,” citing economic pressures and ethical dilemmas as some of them. Proposed solutions included reviewing the admission process, emphasizing professional ethics, and fostering a culture of mutual respect.

 

Our courts are not just buildings; they are the beating heart of our democracy. Yet, we have seen talent drained, infrastructure neglected, and morale diminished. My goal is to reverse this trend.

 

The Attorney General tempered his ambitious plans with a realistic outlook, recognizing the complexities of the legal system and the resistance reforms may face. “Change will not happen overnight. The system we serve is intricate and deeply entrenched. Every reform will require patience and, at times, courage. Make no mistake. I am prepared to face resistance wherever and whenever it arises. But my preference, as always, is consensus rather than conflict,” he remarked.

 

He also addressed the issue of defining legal practitioners as “traders,” a classification he described as inappropriate. “I never thought, over all my years of practice at the bar, that there would come a time when some politicians would use their clout to demean our profession to the level of mere traders, where the mercantile element would trump the nobility of our profession. Yet here we are, having been defined as traders by those who wanted to control us. I say this now in all humility, but stirred by the pent-up anger of one whose professional life was downgraded by political evil. This will stop! We shall no longer be defined as traders, nor be made to pay a license fee to practice law,” he affirmed, pointing to necessary regulatory adjustments.

 

The Attorney General then went on to underscore that for four decades, he  stood amongst his peers as an advocate, a barrister who like everyone, has waded through the joys, frustrations and occasional absurdities of the profession. “But tonight, I speak to you after having just been sworn in as the new Attorney General of our country. To say that I feel honoured would be an understatement. I’m deeply humbled by this opportunity to serve my country, and I hope to do so in a manner that upholds the traditions of the Bar whilst meeting the demands of a changing nation

 

When I was first approached about this new venture, I must admit that my initial reaction was sceptical. After all, I was offered to be seated in chambers surrounded by familiar faces, routine challenges, and the reassuring hum of a reliable air-conditioning unit,” he shared, drawing a smile from the audience. He then paused, reflecting on the deeper sense of duty that led him to accept this demanding position. “Why then, I ask myself, would I leave that behind to take on what I know will be a gruelling, and perhaps even hectic task? The answer came to me when I looked at a portrait of my father in our conference room. It reminded me that duty is not about what is easy; it’s about what is right.”

 

The Attorney General, who was a state scholar, went on to state that he owes “a debt to the nation.” His words resonating with a deep sense of gratitude and purpose, he added that it was “a debt I hope to repay in some small way through this room.”

 

Acknowledging the significant expectations attached to his appointment, he assured the audience that he values their input and is committed to addressing their concerns. “Many of you, with characteristic insight, have already communicated to me your wish lists. Others have been more forward-turning, and some even went public. Let me reassure you; you will all be heard,” he promised, emphasizing his intention to constructively engage with stakeholders.

 

Concluding with a call to action, Gavin Glover, S.C., reaffirmed his commitment to justice and integrity. “I look forward to this new chapter with excitement, trepidation, and a deep sense of purpose. May we all, ladies and gentlemen, continue to serve justice with integrity and passion,” he stated, closing his first address as the Attorney General of Mauritius with a resounding “Long live the independent bar!”

Nandkishore Ramburn,
S.C., Chairperson of the Mauritius Bar Association
 

“The tides of change inevitably influence the course of the legal profession”

 

The Mauritius Bar Association’s annual conference, held on Friday, March 29, at the Intercontinental Resort in Balaclava, brought together prominent members of the legal fraternity under the theme “Rethinking Society and the Legal Profession.” The event served as a platform for critical reflection on how the legal profession can adapt to the evolving needs of a dynamic society. Featuring keynote addresses, panel discussions, and thought-provoking debates, the conference addressed issues such as constitutional reform, the ethical use of social media by barristers, and the role of legal professionals within the broader justice system. The conference also celebrated lawyers who have completed 50 years at the Bar, honouring their significant contributions to the profession. 

Nandkishore Ramburn, S.C., Chairperson of the Mauritius Bar Association

On Friday, March 29, the Mauritius Bar Association (MBA) hosted its annual conference under the theme “Rethinking Society and the Legal Profession” at the Intercontinental Resort, Balaclava. In his opening address, the Chairperson of the MBA, Nandkishore Ramburn, S.C., highlighted the necessity of adapting to societal changes. “The tides of change which impact society at large inevitably influence the course of the legal profession,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of revisiting foundational precepts to ensure the profession remains relevant and effective. The Senior Counsel also underscored the conference’s purpose as an opportunity for deep reflection, stating that “this year’s theme invites us to examine whether our current practices and tools adequately cater to the constant metamorphosis of the environment around us.

 

The event also featured panel discussions on critical topics such as constitutional reform, the role of barristers within the machinery of justice, and the ethical dimensions of social media in legal practice. Nandkishore Ramburn stressed the importance of these discussions, noting that they reflect the interconnectedness of the legal profession with institutions like the judiciary, law enforcement, and international organizations.

 

The conference was special this year, as it celebrated a group of distinguished lawyers who have dedicated 50 years to the profession. These veterans, described by Senior Counsel Ramburn as “living encyclopaedias,” were honoured for their enduring contributions to the Bar and their role in shaping the evolution of legal practice in Mauritius. “These colleagues are the memory of a past that our younger members are oblivious to,” he stated, reflecting on their invaluable legacy.

 

The Chief Justice, Bibi Rehana Mungly-Gulbul, emphasized, in a written message, that barristers must balance their duty to clients with an overriding duty to assist the Court. “What is important is to continually evaluate the way that society evolves so that the legal profession is in touch with the realities of society, and is able to better serve its clients, the wider community, and the Court,” she remarked. The Chief Justice lauded the MBA’s efforts to address these pressing issues, noting that the conference was a vital step toward fostering meaningful exchanges and sparking new ideas.

 

The conference concluded on a note of hope and determination, with participants encouraged to engage meaningfully and embrace innovative thinking. “Let us remain steadfast in upholding our code of ethics while embracing the transformative changes that society expects us to lead,” Nandkishore Ramburn, S.C., urged attendees.

 

BIZWEEK will provide further details on the panel discussions in its upcoming issues.

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