By Tahna Weston
The Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs, Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin, has described late Magistrate Carden Conliffe Clarke as a talented young man who has made significant contributions to the justice system and the basketball landscape of Antigua and Barbuda.
Clarke, who was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit at Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre on Thursday died yesterday after a prolonged battle with cancer.
During an interview with Observer yesrerday, Sir Steadroy spoke highly of Clarke, who served as the Magistrate for Districts A and B and was a former deputy registrar at Antigua and Barbuda Intellectual Property and Commerce Office.
“I was extremely surprised — even though he was ill — when I learnt of the unfortunate passing of Magistrate Conliffe Clarke. This was a young man filled with ability who would have made a tremendous contribution to the legal system in Antigua and Barbuda,” Sir Steadroy said.
“Already at his very young age he would have been an expert in Intellectual Property and was highly regarded in the sub-region as a leader in this matter of the law.”
The minister also extended condolences to Clarke’s family, in particular his wife and son.
“The government and the people of Antigua and Barbuda have lost a great talent, not only legally, but also in the development of our legal infrastructure in Antigua and Barbuda. I extend to his family, on behalf of the government, my department and those who knew him, my sincerest condolences.
“The loss will be greatly felt by those who knew and loved him, not only in terms of the legal situation, he was also a very keen basketball player and was always involved in the development of that sport in Antigua and Barbuda. And I myself am very hurt and very saddened because I can recall when he was to be appointed many years ago as a magistrate even though I was not in political power, he came to me and I advised him to take the position because I knew of his potential.
“I am deeply saddened by his passing,” Sir Steadroy noted.
Magistrate Clarke, who returned to Antigua after completing law school in 2000, was known for his passion for copyright protection and intellectual property matters. Before his distinguished legal career, Clarke was actively involved in the music industry.
His passing comes just over a year after he celebrated the completion of his cancer treatment. Further details surrounding his death have not yet been disclosed.
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