CONVICTION OF A SINGLE LAWYER FOR THEFT AND MONEY LAUNDERING IN BARBADOS IS ONLY THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG

 

Local media in Barbados covered the money laundering and theft conviction this week of attorney  Norman Leroy Lynch, who stole estate funds many years ago, and was not brought to justice until this year. The reporters, who could only find that a couple of  lawyers in total were convicted in recent years of theft, missed the point. What about all the others who are stealing ? 

The total number of attorneys who have plundered estate accounts, and assisted clients in stealing real estate from the elderly, infirm, widows, and expats living outside Barbados, with impunity, cannot be accurately calculated, but are conservatively estimated to be several dozen. These lawyers, who are part of the power structure in the country, due to their close association with either corrupt government leaders, law enforcement officials, or party leaders, know that they will not be charged for their crimes, and if by any chance something does happen to them, their friends in the court system will see that they prevail, notwithstanding that there is clear and convincing evidence against them.

The public needs to be protected from the professionals whose primary responsibility is to serve the  people they are harming.  it has gotten to the point where  Barbadians do not trust their own local attorneys to help, and not hurt , them. The local bar association ignores its role as gatekeeper and disciplinarian of the legal profession. I have been hearing horror stories from the victims, all of whom are now warning others to avoid engaging lawyers, in any matter where the recovery of money or property is involved, What a sad state of affairs. They are violating their sacred oath, and betraying their clients.

Let us humbly suggest that victims, or individuals who do not want to become victims, seek competent legal counsel outside of Barbados, for your own protection, and make sure that the lawyer that you do select does not have an incestuous relationship with the power elite in  Barbados. Find counsel abroad, for your own protection, and to increase your chances of success,