“Guyana, rest of world have lost a great legal mind” – Judiciary mourns Justice Pollard’s passing

…CCJ President says Guyanese jurist was committed to Caribbean excellence, integration

The Judiciary of Guyana has extended condolences to the family and friends of one of Guyana’s greatest legal minds, Professor Duke Pollard, who died on Tuesday at a hospital in the USA.
Justice Pollard, who was among the first bench of Judges at the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), was 86 years old.
The Supreme Court of Judicature on Thursday said that the Judiciary was deeply saddened at his passing and that Guyana and the rest of the world have lost a great scholar and legal mind.

Pollard, a Guyanese, attended the prestigious Queen’s College. He later furthered his studies at the University of London where he received a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) and a Bachelor of Laws (Hons). He completed his Masters of Law at both McGill and New York University and his Legal Education Certificate (LEC) at the Norman Manley Law School in Jamaica.
In addition to being a member of both the Bars of Guyana and Jamaica, Justice Pollard was a fellow of the Centre of International and Comparative Law of McGill University.
According to the statement, over the years, Justice Pollard established himself as an expert jurist in international law specialising in International Economic Law, the Law of the Sea, Institutional Law, the Law of Treaties, General Integration Law, and Economic Integration Law.
“Guyana and the rest of the world have indeed lost a great scholar and legal mind. His was a life lived in service to this country and the wider Caribbean region. His legacy is firmly etched in the fabric of Caribbean jurisprudence and legal scholarship,” the Judiciary said.

Caribbean excellence and integration
In a separate statement, Justice Adrian Saunders, President of the CCJ, described Justice Pollard as a distinguished son of the Caribbean and an eminent jurist.
Before joining the CCJ’s inaugural bench in 2005, Justice Pollard participated in both the development of the original and Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas and many of the agreements and protocols that pertain specifically to the CCJ, Justice Saunders noted.
As an academic and educator, Justice Pollard also guided, mentored, and inspired many students when he wore the hat of Professor in the Law Department of the University of Guyana (UG) and even after, the CCJ President said.
Justice Saunders added: “We at the CCJ recognise his contribution to the architecture and administration of justice at the Court, in the field of education and foreign affairs. His deep commitment to Caribbean excellence and integration will be sorely missed.”
In expressing profound grief on his passing on behalf of the apex court and the members of the Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission, Justice Saunders extended sincerest condolences to Justice Pollard’s widow, Donna; his children and other family members.
He said Guyana and the Caribbean Community (Caricom) had lost a legal giant and faithful servant.