Another milestone for Justice Hilary Phillips

Chester Francis-Jackson, Gleaner Writer

It has been argued here and elsewhere that judges should take to their office more than a clinical or theoretical understanding of the law. Crucially, they should also have more than a passing acquaintance with its impact based on life experiences. This, it is hoped, will make for reasoned judgments, encompassing the rehabilitative component of justice and the impact they will have on the immediate party and the wider community after being dispensed.

It can be argued that this guiding principle is similar to that which stipulates that the accused should be tried by a jury of his peers who, as arbiters of the facts presented, also take to the table the sociological context and understanding of the society in their deliberation. Thus they may be able to apply reason where law might fail to instruct!

In this respect, the ascension by attorney Hilary Phillips to the Appeals Court in 2009 was a move in the right direction. It bolstered the court's capacity in the administration of justice based on Phillips' long and distinguished career and also crucially, her life experiences. She has served as a businesswoman, a partner to Pulse empire; dancer with the National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC) and as a choreographer.

In her professional journeys, Phillips has seen Jamaicans of various stripes, hues and posture making her better able to discharge her duties in the Appeals Court.

On Saturday, February, 26, Phillips marked the 60th anniversary of her birth and, to celebrate the occasion, threw a party that will long be remembered for its frivolity, spontaneity and above all, its refreshing spirit of celebration.

Hosted at Studio 38 along Trafalgar Road, arriving guests might have been easily misled into thinking that they were in for another evening of airs and pompous fuddy-duddies, as the usually laid-back decor of the venue was transformed into a spectacular five-star location.

My darlings, the five-star treatment was only a reflection of Justice Phillips' preferred style and in this respect was in no way reflective of the stuffiness associated with it, as the essence of the evening was celebratory in tone. This was no mere party but a celebration, marking the birthday of an accomplished daughter and front-runner, and daahlings, fabulously so!

Dinner entertainment

Well, imagine a fab garden setting, with the nation's leading jurists, scholars, and social denizens in attendance while the fabulously talented singer-entertainer Charmaine Lemonius (cousin to the birthday girl), and her guitar in performance with the oh so talented Chris McDonald on keyboard. She entertained with hits past and present in a memorable performance. That was followed by an early dinner that was a treat and then some, but for my word, the éclairs were simply to die for!

Anyway, there were really no speeches, just toasts by a few colleagues and friends, chaired by Kingsley Cooper, followed by a spirited thank you by the birthday girl, who insisted that all present join her on the dance floor to celebrate the occasion. And luvs, with almost all but a few accepting her entreaty, pumpkins, it became a fab-fest and nothing but!

My darlings, legally, 60 is not yet the new 40, but dear hearts, watching Justice Phillips on the dance floor, one could easily argue the case for this to be so. Dears, the judge certainly knows how to party! It was as if Abba's 'Dancing Queen' was created for that special occasion and luvs, did she work it!

And there's a new dance in town, It was christened the 'Enquiry Strut' as attorney Patrick Bailey and the celebrated Professor Carolyn Cooper took to the dance floor and boogied up a glow!

Among those out were Her sister, director of protocol, Ambassador Elinor Sherlock; brother Geoffery Phillips; cousin, Opposition MP Dr Peter Phillips and wife, Sandra Minott-Phillips, and his son Mikhail; Chief Justice Zaila McCalla and husband Winston; president of the Court of Appeal Justice Seymour Panton and his lovely wife Maxine; Honourable Justice Hazel Harrison; Justices: Norma McIntosh; Lloyd Hibbert; Howard Cooke and wife Heather; Justices Ingrid Mangatal; Nicole Simmons; Almarie Haynes and husband Larry; Justice Andrew Rattary. R.N.A. Henriques and wife Nora.

Also out were Arturo and Marcia Stewart; Reverend Sirrano and Denise Kitson; Herbert and Judith Grant; the esteemed Lloyd Perkins; Abiloa Bertram; Jos Leo-Rhynie, Q.C.; Dr Lloyd Barnett; Dr Omar Felix and brother Tarik; Professor Barrie Hanchard and Dr Sonia Thomas; Dr Brian and wife Beverley; Jeffery and Marjorie Cobham; the National Dance Theatre Company's artistic director Barry Moncrieffe; Chris Berry and wife Dr Patricia Yapp, her brother Dalton Yapp, also Sue Risden-Foster; the charming Betty-Ann Jones and daughter, the lovely Kyla Kerr; Paul and Natalie Mair; Vassell and Paulette Comrie.

Also out Christopher and Jacinth Crawford; Maydene Dunn; Lloyd and Sonia Tomlinson, she looking as regal as ever; the charming Sonia Allen; E.G. Hunter and wife Nesta-Clare Smith, and her sister Marsha Smith; Lt Col Danny Pryce; Karen Barsoe-Adderly; André Nembhard; Carol Aina; Gordon Brown, in from Montego Bay; Tasha Manley and Dmitri Smith; Sharon Usim; the lovely Pat Wright; the stunning Romae Gordon; hotelier Kyle Mais, squiring his beautiful sibling, the fab Kimberly Mais-Issa; the lovely Natalie Lee; plus a number of others!

It was one very fab night, and nothing but, as guests partied up a glow, and with champagne flowing way in to the early hours of Sunday morning!