By Kisean Joseph
Attorney Dane Hamilton (KC, SC) is being classed with one of the most prolific lawyers in the Commonwealth Caribbean Sir Fenton Ramsahoye.
The similarity was made by noted attorney and former politician Harold Lovell during an interview yesterday on Observer AM.
Sir Fenton, an eminent Senior and Queen’s Counsel was Attorney-General of Guyana and served in the Parliament for 12 years. He also served for over 20 years in Antigua and Barbuda.
Lovell — who recently returned from a teaching stint at the University of Toronto — in comparing Hamilton’s intellectual prowess to Sir Fenton said that they both possessed exceptional analytical abilities.
“These are the types of people who can see beyond even the precedent, and see where the justice of the case demands a particular line. In that sense, Dane would make things happen where other lawyers would not have been able to make them happen,” he said.
Lovell also described Hamilton as “a man of the people” whose passion for justice transcended conventional legal practice.
“Dane had a passion for justice that went beyond just merely going through the ropes. He looked beyond that, and he had an interest in, and he was passionate also about the philosophy of law, where he felt that law had a purpose, and that purpose was to deliver justice,” he said.
The Vincentian-born Hamilton was renowned for his mastery of cross-examination, a skill that earned him both respect and fear in the courtroom, Lovell added.
“The worst thing you could do is to try to be clever with him,” he said, “and even maybe the worst of the worst is if you lie. He would find a way to untangle that lie and expose you.”
He also praised Hamilton’s exceptional work ethic and disciplined approach to his practice.
“He cut no corners. He was very thorough. This is a man who, if he has a matter in court, he already has his submissions, he has everything well in advance … two weeks in advance, he would be prepared,” the attorney said about his former colleague.
Beyond his professional achievements, Hamilton was remembered for his authenticity and loyalty to long-standing friendships.
“Dane was a real person. He wasn’t somebody who was gonna butter you up and tell you stuff just because he thinks you want to hear it. He would shoot straight, tell you exactly what it is,” Lovell added.
In response to suggestions from the Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin to honour Hamilton’s legacy, Lovell expressed support for establishing a commemorative lecture series or scholarship, citing, “what he did for this country is to raise the bar and we should not take that lightly.”
Lovell also suggested that Hamilton deserves posthumous national honours in recognition of his contributions to Antigua and Barbuda’s legal system.
“He made such a mark in this country that it would be a pity if we didn’t honour him in some form,” he said.
