‘Rising star’ magistrate’s sudden death shocks judiciary, prosecutors

The sudden death of newly appointed magistrate Oliver Thomas has stunned the legal community and left shock and grief across the judiciary, where colleagues had seen him as one of the profession’s most promising rising figures.

Thomas, who was appointed to the magistracy earlier this month, died suddenly on Wednesday at the age of 39, sending shockwaves through the judicial and legal fraternity.

As tributes continued to pour in on Thursday, the Office of the Chief Justice, in a statement, noted that before his appointment earlier this month, Magistrate Thomas had served with distinction as a Principal State Counsel in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).

It said: “Throughout his legal career, he was widely regarded as a capable, diligent and committed advocate, marked by professionalism, integrity and a profound respect for the rule of law. His elevation to the Bench was welcomed as a natural progression in a career dedicated to public service and the administration of justice. During his brief tenure as a magistrate, he brought these same qualities to the Bench, discharging his judicial duties with diligence, professionalism and clarity of purpose. His sudden passing represents a significant loss to the magistracy, the legal profession and the administration of justice in Barbados.

“The Chief Justice, judges, magistrates, the Registrar and staff of the Registration Department, and all staff of the Judiciary of Barbados extend sincere condolences to his wife, family, colleagues and the wider legal fraternity. They join the nation in mourning his passing and honouring his service to the administration of justice in Barbados.”

Thomas’ death cast a sombre pall over the Supreme Court Complex on Whitepark Road and the Henry Forde and David Simmons Legal and Judicial Complex on Coleridge Street, as many courts closed early on Thursday and staff at the ODPP received counselling.

During a brief morning sitting of the No 5 Supreme Court, Justice Pamela Beckles delivered a heartfelt tribute to a public prosecutor, affectionately known as Ollie, who she said was articulate, well-mannered and showed a deep respect for the Bench.

Pausing at times to hold back tears, she said: “He was a fine gentleman who had all of the qualities you would want from a son, brother or colleague. He was kind, always smiling. Ollie was never assigned as a prosecutor in my court, so I never worked directly with him, but yet his influence could still be felt, as whenever he held for his colleagues, he was always prepared.”

Recalling that it was only two weeks ago his office had held a farewell function for Thomas following his elevation to the magistracy, Director of Public Prosecutions Alliston Seale SC described Ollie as “not just a work colleague but a friend and brother to us at the ODPP”.

“When he first came to the ODPP some ten years ago, most of us immediately recognised his potential. He was one of the brightest sparks at the office and quickly rose through the ranks to Principal State Counsel. He was a repository of knowledge and easily remembered relevant cases. Many of us relied on him for authorities rather than consult the research facilities available to us. We envisaged him making a significant impact on the criminal justice system and the legal profession generally. His elevation to the magisterial Bench was to us another rung on the ladder of what we perceived was a blossoming career which would culminate on some appellate court Bench.

“To his wife, mother, sister and other relatives and friends, we wish to extend our deepest condolences,” Seale said. “May you, Ollie, rest in peace, and since I knew that you were a Christian who believed in the resurrection, may you rise in glory where we Christians hope to meet with you and all God’s chosen people.”

Also expressing condolences, Chief Magistrate Ian Weekes, who is currently on vacation leave and soon to retire, said Thomas was always respectful, pleasant and intelligent when appearing before him.

Weekes, whom Thomas had taken over for in the No 1 Court in the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court, said: “It is unfortunate, having joined the Bench, that the potential and talent identified cannot now be fully realised because I felt, with my interactions with him since his appointment, he was very receptive to knowledge and I thought he had very bright days ahead. We as a magistracy will be poorer for his passing.”

Reflecting on her interactions with Thomas over the years and her happiness at his appointment, acting Chief Magistrate Deidre McKenna said: “Even though his time was short, it was memorable because he was able to hit the ground running.

“He was a pleasure to work with in that space of time. We would speak to each other almost daily, and we will miss him tremendously.”