CLA News / CLA President Steven Thiru’s November Message: Across Borders with Purpose, A Recap from Africa and Reflections from the Caribbean to Canada
A. Progress with the Africa Hub
On the heels of my earlier visit to Africa in August 2025, I am pleased to report on concrete achievements arising from our active engagement with the Africa Hub. We are working closely with the Rwanda Bar Association on a conference that will be held in Kigali in the second half of 2026, focusing on corporate and commercial law, family law, and artificial intelligence (AI).
Our initiatives in Kenya have also borne fruit. We are finalising a new Memorandum of Understanding with the Law Society of Kenya to enhance our institutional collaboration to advance professional development through ongoing partnerships across our respective jurisdictions.
As a direct outcome of my visit to Ghana, we welcomed Madam Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, former Chief Justice of Ghana, to address our Council virtually on 6 November 2025. Her candid views on her removal and the attendant constitutional and professional challenges were a timely reminder of the profound existential threat to the independence of the judiciary across the Commonwealth and beyond.
Through these mutually reinforcing undertakings, the CLA is not only present but purposeful in building, bridging, and fortifying our Commonwealth family of legal professionals. I continued with these efforts in my recent trip to the Caribbean and Canada, which constitute the core of our Americas Hub.
B. Trinidad and Tobago
I arrived in Port of Spain on 18 October 2025 and was generously hosted by our Council member for Trinidad and Tobago, Lynette Seebaran-Suite SC, who also serves as President of the Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago. I visited the Law Association’s impressive offices and interacted with the staff.
Steven Thiru and Lynette Seebaran-Suite SC
The following day, I paid a courtesy call on the outgoing Chief Justice of Trinidad and Tobago, Mr Justice Ivor Archie. Our paths first crossed in 2007 at the Commonwealth Law Conference (CLC) in Nairobi, where we both spoke on a panel on continuing legal education chaired by the late Hugh A. Robertson QC. On behalf of the CLA, I congratulate Justice Archie on his distinguished judicial career and wish him a fulfilling retirement.
Steven Thiru, Mr Justice Ivor Archie, and Lynette Seebaran-Suite SC
It was a privilege to meet the Attorney General of Trinidad and Tobago, Mr John Jeremie SC. I raised the pressing issue of abolishing the mandatory death penalty to align with the majority of Commonwealth nations and briefed him on the recent Council of Europe Convention for the Protection of the Profession of Lawyer (Luxembourg Convention), which he acknowledged as both timely and relevant to the current challenges facing the legal profession.
Steven Thiru and Mr John Jeremie SC
I also enjoyed meeting Supreme Court Madam Justice Gillian Lucky, who chairs the Judicial Education Institute. Her passion for judicial training is evident, and we look forward to her participation at the CLC 2027 in Darwin.
Lynette Seebaran-Suite SC, Steven Thiru, and Madam Justice Gillian Lucky
My visit included the Caribbean Court of Justice in Port of Spain. I was warmly received by its newly appointed President, Mr Justice Winston Anderson of Jamaica. We had a wide-ranging discussion on potential areas of collaboration, and I extended the CLA’s best wishes for a successful tenure. I also had the pleasure of meeting Madam Justice Maureen Rajnauth-Lee, a senior member of the Caribbean Court of Justice.
Two staff members of the court, Steven Thiru, Mr Justice Winston Anderson, Lynette Seebaran-Suite SC, and Andel Daberam of the Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago
Lynette Seebaran-Suite SC, Madam Justice Maureen Rajnauth-Lee, and Steven Thiru
I was invited to a luncheon hosted by the Council of the Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago, which was a convivial and lively occasion.
That afternoon, I met law students and young lawyers at Lynette’s law firm. Such interactions are always a highlight of my visits, offering an opportunity to encourage — and, I hope, inspire — the next generation to uphold the values and ideals of our noble and honourable profession, without fear or favour.
My visit to Trinidad and Tobago concluded on 21 October 2025, even as Hurricane Melissa barrelled its way across the Caribbean. The CLA’s thoughts and prayers are with all those affected, particularly in Jamaica.
C. Grenada
On 22 October 2025, I travelled to St. George’s, Grenada, to attend the 19th Regional Law Conference of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Bar Association, held from 23 to 26 October 2025. I was joined by Sophie Stanbrook, CLA’s Vice President for the Americas.
The programme was intellectually rich, featuring sessions examining global freezing orders, family wealth protection, the future of Citizenship-by-Investment in the Caribbean, and the role and impact of AI in workplaces across the Caribbean. Workshop topics ranged from AML/CFT compliance in legal practice to the preparation of dispute resolution practitioners for the age of AI, as well as advanced criminal advocacy.
I had the pleasure of meeting the President of the OECS Bar Association, Jean M. Dyer, who ably helmed the excellent conference as its Chairperson.
Sophie Stanbrook, Jean M. Dyer, and Steven Thiru
After the Opening Ceremony, I was pleased to meet Madam Claudette Joseph, Attorney General and Minister for Legal Affairs, Labour and Consumer Affairs. Her presence at the conference underscored the strength of the partnership between the Bar, Bench, and Government in Grenada.
Steven Thiru and Madam Claudette Joseph
During a vibrant reception, I reconnected with familiar faces: Ruggles Ferguson KC, our Council member for Grenada; Delano Bart KC, Council member for St Kitts and Nevis and the incoming President of the OECS Bar Association; Sophie Stanbrook; and my distinguished predecessor, Dr. Peter Maynard KC. It was a delightful evening that captured the warmth, collegiality, and shared purpose of the Caribbean legal community.
Ruggles Ferguson KC, Delano Bart KC, Sophie Stanbrook, Dr Peter Maynard KC, and Steven Thiru
On 24 October 2025, the second day of the conference, I addressed the delegates, outlining the work of the CLA and sharing updates on CLC 2027 in Darwin, which were met with enthusiasm.
That evening, I met with young lawyers from the OECS Bar, offering some mentoring guidance and introducing them to the CLA’s mission. Their curiosity, energy, and commitment to upholding the values of the profession were deeply encouraging.
I shared an engaging dinner with Ruggles Ferguson KC and his wife, Madam Justice Tamara Gill, which offered a welcome occasion for camaraderie and reflection.
Madam Justice Tamara Gill, Ruggles Ferguson KC, and Steven Thiru
The third day, 25 October 2025, brought a refreshing change of pace as delegates enjoyed a “wellness walk” along the beach, followed by a group painting activity. The session proved to be an excellent team-building experience and, I must confess, a rigorous test of my painting abilities — which remain, at best, a spirited work in progress.
I was honoured to be invited to attend the OECS Council meeting, where elections were held, and to address the members on the CLA’s initiatives and potential avenues for collaboration. My heartfelt congratulations go to Delano Bart KC on his election as President of the OECS Bar Association, and my sincere thanks to the Council for the privilege of speaking at their gathering. One area we discussed was advocacy training, and I am developing a training programme to be conducted by The Advocates’ Society of Ontario.
Seated, from left: Jean M. Dyer, Delano Bart KC, and Steven Thiru
The conference concluded with a splendid Gala Dinner on 25 October 2025. It was a fitting occasion to congratulate the guest of honour, Mr Justice Adrian Saunders, former President of the Caribbean Court of Justice — and a longstanding and valued friend of the CLA — for his exemplary leadership of the Court.
Steven Thiru, Mr Justice Adrian Saunders, Lynette Seebaran-Suite SC, Jean M. Dyer, and Delano Bart KC
I extend my earnest gratitude to the OECS Bar Association for its gracious invitation to participate in such a meaningful and memorable conference. I flew to Ontario on 26 October 2025.
D. Canada
The CLA was honoured to be invited to attend the Special Convocation of the Law Society of Ontario, for the admission to the Bar of over 200 new entrants, on 27 October 2025. I was part of the platform party of Benchers and other distinguished guests, and was introduced as President of the CLA. I wish to thank Peter Wardle, Treasurer of the Law Society of Ontario, for his cordial invitation and warm hospitality.
I was delighted for the opportunity to meet Madam Justice Faye E. McWatt, Associate Chief Justice, Superior Court of Justice of Ontario. Laurie Pawlitza, our Council member and Emeritus Treasurer of the Law Society of Ontario, was a kind host, and accompanied me to the event. It was a ceremony steeped in tradition, reflective of the rich history of the legal profession in Canada.
Peter Wardle, Steven Thiru, Madam Justice Faye. E. McWatt, and Laurie Pawlitza
The Law Society of Ontario hosted me for a luncheon, which was a welcome opportunity to discuss shared challenges and emerging trends. Trudi Pye, our Council member for Canada who was a generous host throughout my visit, joined us.
From right: Laurie Pawlitza, Trudi Pye, Peter Wardle, and Steven Thiru
I then met with Katy Commisso, President of the Ontario Bar Association, and Tyler Jensen, Associate Director of Policy, Outreach and Public Affairs. We spoke about aligning the work of the CLA committees with the involvement of their committee members. We also discussed our planned project on Indigenous land rights, and our collective aim to draw on the expertise of the Canadian legal profession.
Laurie Pawlitza, Steven Thiru, Katy Commisso, and Trudi Pye
My engagements continued with a visit to the Toronto Lawyers Association, where I met with President Anna Wong and Executive Director / Librarian Director Joan Rataic Lang. The library that it manages is very impressive, with a wide array of resources. We explored a potential arrangement where CLA members can gain online access to the library, which would offer a valuable benefit for our members. I look forward to sharing details on this initiative soon.
Joan Rataic Lang, Anna Wong, Steven Thiru, and Trudi Pye
The Law Society of Ontario hosted a reception in the Supreme Court building, attended by the Benchers. I addressed them on the CLA’s rule of law initiatives, and some takeaways from my recent visits to Africa and the Caribbean. I was pleased to meet Mr Justice Graeme Mew, Past President of the CLA and now a distinguished member of the judiciary in Ontario, and Madam Justice Lynne Leitch, outgoing President of the Commonwealth Magistrates’ and Judges’ Association (CMJA).
Mr Justice Graeme Mew, Madam Justice Lynne Leitch, and Steven Thiru
That evening, I was generously hosted for dinner by Laurie and Trudi. Mr Justice Mew and Madam Justice Leitch also attended, along with Kate Matthews, President of the Canadian Association of Crown Counsel, and Rod Northey and Lori Stoltz, legal practitioners.
Mr Justice Graeme Mew, Steven Thiru, Madam Justice Lynne Leitch, Trudi Pye, Laurie Pawlitza, Kate Matthews, Lori Stoltz, and Rod Northey
On 28 October 2025, I was invited to attend the Convocation of the Law Society of Ontario, which is the monthly meeting of the governing directors. I spoke on how the Law Society — with its history, experience and expertise — can partner the CLA in our initiatives. I shared how, during my tenure as President of the Malaysian Bar from 2015 to 2017, many foreign bar associations and law societies (including the Law Society’s Human Rights Monitoring Group) sent letters of solidarity when attempts were made to interfere with the Malaysian Bar’s independence — support that proved crucial in curbing executive overreach. It is for this precise reason that I encouraged the Law Society to speak out whenever the rule of law is threatened, even outside its own jurisdiction.
I then had the privilege of visiting the Great Library of the Law Society of Ontario in Toronto, which is the country’s largest law practitioners’ library and is known for its historic Osgoode Hall location. The visit was both intellectually enriching and symbolic, and the library itself stands as a testament to Canada’s high regard for legal scholarship.
Trudi Pye, Steven Thiru, and Laurie Pawlitza
After a quick lunch, Laurie, Trudi and I met with The Advocates’ Society of Ontario. The meeting was attended by President Hilary Book and Chief Executive Officer Vicki White. During our conversation on developing advocacy programmes for CLA members, I recounted my discussion with the OECS Bar Association concerning advocacy training. We agreed to pursue this initiative, and I will be in touch with President Delano Bart to advance it.
My fruitful visit to Toronto concluded with a productive debrief session with Laurie and Trudi, during which we distilled a clear list of follow-up actions and future collaborative commitments.
Laurie and Trudi’s unstinting hospitality, professionalism, and kindness ensured that the Canadian leg of my itinerary was both impactful and deeply memorable. I promised to return to the lovely city of Toronto, soon!
Steven Thiru, Laurie Pawlitza, and Trudi Pye
E. 2025 — Reflections on a year of engagement and connections
As I pen my final travel reflections for the year, these journeys reveal themselves as far more than a mere series of official engagements. They are a testament to the profound and enduring connections that bind our common law legal community, bonds made manifest in the generosity of spirit with which the CLA is received across every jurisdiction I have visited. Such hospitality is not merely ceremonial; it is rooted in our shared values, our common ideals, and our collective commitment to the integrity of the legal profession.
Equally significant were the rich and productive discussions with both senior and upcoming lawyers, bar associations and law societies, judges, and Attorneys General. These exchanges fostered collaboration, inspired new initiatives, and created opportunities to learn from one another’s experiences. They strengthened professional relationships, deepened mutual understanding, and reaffirmed our shared dedication to advancing the rule of law.
It is precisely because these principles unite us that we bear a corresponding responsibility to stand up for one another. In safeguarding each other, we safeguard the very foundation upon which the rule of law securely rests.
Steven Thiru
President
Commonwealth Lawyers Association
18 November 2025
Steven Thiru records his appreciation to Jaishanker Sadananda and Chin Oy Sim for their assistance in preparing this article for publication.
