AG pays tribute to attorney-at-law Gittens Clyde Turney at his passing

Attorney General Dale Marshall has praised the contribution of prominent attorney-at-law Gittens Clyde Turney QC to Barbados and the legal profession. Turney passed away last evening.

Below is the AG’s full statement.

The death of Gittens Clyde Turney QC is a tremendous loss to Barbados and to the legal profession.

In the 1970’s when the legal practice was dominated by the likes of Cottle Catford, Carrington & Sealy, Yearwood & Boyce, and Fitzwilliam stone & Alcazar he forged an alliance with Randal Grey Mandeville which brought the law firm RG Mandeville & Company to the forefront of law firms in this country. His was an extensive corporate, commercial and property practice representing some of the leading entities in the region, at the same time building up a massive clientele that was the envy of other law practices. He represented the wealthiest international individuals including sports and film personalities, and international entrepreneurs.

His depth of knowledge of the law was formidable. He was, without doubt, one of the leading experts in land law and his simple explanations and tutelage in complex scenarios was a comfort to many a young lawyer.  Turney was for most of his career an active and vocal member of the Barbados Bar Association, letting his presence and opinion be felt and known on matters affecting lawyers and the profession as a whole.

On the occasions when he teamed up with other luminaries of his generation like Sir Jack Dear Q.C, Sir Bernard St John Q.C or Mr Bennett Niles Q.C in the leading cases of the day, litigants on the other side knew they had to give of their very best to counter the solid arguments of this formidable team.

He was known for his charm, generosity and personality, and we are all the poorer for his passing.

On behalf of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet of Barbados, we offer our condolences to his family and to friends.