MIAMI – Despite a rainy evening, a large turn out including dignitaries, members of the South Florida legal fraternity and literary book enthusiasts attended the formal launch of the book, “Ira Rowe – Caribbean Lawyer” at the St. Thomas University Law School on Wednesday September, 6.
The book is written by Attorney David Rowe and published by GARAI Publishers of Lauderhill, Florida. Attorney Rowe wrote the book, available in paperback and hard-copy, as tribute to his late father Ira DeCordova Rowe, a former Chief Justice, President of the Court of Appeal and Solicitor General of Jamaica, who passed away in Jamaica on January 25, 2004. Justice Rowe also served as President of the Court of Appeal of Belize, served on the Court of Appeals of Grand Cayman, the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Island.
Dignitaries attending the book launch included the Consular General of Jamaica, the Hon. Ricardo Allicock, former Consular General John Atkins, former Trinidad and Tobago ambassador to the U.S. and the United Nations, Hon. Barry Augustine and Marlon Hill, recently appointed representative of the Jamaican Diaspora Foundation in the South Eastern United States.
The Hon. Ricardo Allicock in bringing greetings on behalf of the Jamaican Consulate, also paid tribute to Justice Rowe, commending the contribution made by the late justice to Caribbean law, and congratulated David on writing the book, which offered to posterity the great legacy of the great, late judge.
Dr, Garth Rose, president of GARAI Consulting and Publishing, publishers of “IRA Rowe- Caribbean Lawyer,” in his keynote address said that while involved in the publishing of the book, he realized that this was a work of love, the work of a son who harbored, and through his writing expressed great love and admiration for his father. Dr. Rose highlighted Justice Rowe’s role as a supporter of the free press, recalling his efforts to preserve the right of newspapers to obtain newsprint, after an attempt was made to silence journalists critical of the Government of Jamaica by refusing them access to newsprint to publish their opinions I former years.
In his address, the author, David Rowe, revealed fond memories of his father who he said would have been happy to see his book being published by a Caribbean publisher and launched at event including so many distinguished Caribbean nationals. “I do not need to dance with anyone now, as I danced with my father all my life,” Rowe said. He referred to the fact that great barristers like Norman Manley, were people who inspired his father. Although his father was an influential lawyer and jurist throughout the Caribbean, David said he none-the-less remained a quite and unassuming man, who loved children dearly.
Rowe also used the opportunity to remind the Government of Jamaica not to forget the Judicial Branch. He said that judicial enquiry as an investigative tool seems to have been forgotten by successive Jamaican Cabinets. Judicial enquiries are open, and allow the public to see public figures being cross-examined about administrative scandals or failures.
Rowe closed by referring to his father’s championship of a Caribbean Court of Justice, and bemoaned the fact that he did not live to see its realization.
Other speakers included the Hon. Barry Auguste and John Atkins, who also gave fond memories and anecdotes of the late Justice personal and professional life.
Following the formalities, David Rowe signed copies of the book, which was in high demand by those present. The book, which includes memories of Ira Rowe’s personal and professional life, also includes tributes from prominent individuals like former Jamaican Prime Minister, P.J. Patterson. It also contains several photographic mementos of the late justice’s life.
The book is currently available at Internet book stores, including www.barnesand noble.com and www.Amazon.com. The Jamaican launch of the book is planned for October.
L-R Former Trinidad and Tobago ambassador to the U.S. and the United Nations, Hon. Barry Augustine, Dr. Garth Rose, Marlon Hill, David Rowe (seated), former Consular General John Atkins, Consular General of Jamaica, the Hon. Ricardo Allicock
