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Ira Rowe Caribbean LawyerBook Launch in JamaicaThe book launch of 'Ira Rowe, Caribbean Lawyer: Materials, Tributes and Cases' took place in Jamaica, W.I. on
November 11, 2006. Below is an article from the 'Daily Gleaner' dated Tuesday, November 14, 2006 relating to this event.
Humour, reflection, respect at the Ira Rowe book launch published: Jamaica Gleaner, Tuesday | November 14, 2006
Mel Cooke, Freelance Writer However, with Senator Frederick Hamaty giving some personal insight on the late President of the Court of Appeal in his keynote address and Crafton Miller speaking of his 'Uncle Ira' with wit and depth of feeling in the lengthy closing remarks, the bread of an outstanding life was made lighter at the Four Seasons Hotel, Ruthven Road, St. Andrew. The book is written by Ira Rowe's son, David Rowe, and published by the Florida-based Garai Books. Fascination with justice In his extensive opening remarks, Byron Blake concentrated on the late judge's "fascination with justice", saying that "he became the personal embodiment of justice in its purest form". He pointed specifically to the case Queen vs. Oliver Whylie (1977), saying that it established standards for evidence, also noting that "his work ethic and range of involvement are legendary". Hamaty expanded on that ethic, noting that Rowe's "work, character, nobility of spirit are indelibly enshrined in the memories of all who knew Ira". There was laughter as Hamaty recalled his first case ever, tried by Rowe, in which he volunteered to read the case, interview the defendant Gilbert Reid and be ready for trial in 45 minutes, this after Reid's attorney died, the Senator producing a newspaper clipping of a then youngster's first foray into the courtroom. There was laughter at a few anecdotes about a man who "loved good food, drink and good company". David Rowe noted that his father was the first black student at Munro College in St. Elizabeth, saying that once salt was thrown into his coffee there. That was expanded by Miller, who said at the time Munro was worse than South Africa, and attributed Rowe's entry into the school to a land donation by his uncle Mark and an agreement by a lady named Rowe (no relation) to keep him within 'day-boy' distance. In addition to that, his father went on the Farm Work programme to get the 18 pounds sterling necessary per term. Silent with sadness At one point, after a bout of humour, Miller went silent with sadness and his daughter took his right arm, providing support for some time. The launch was hosted by
Rowe's daughter-in-law, Rosemarie Robinson, vice-president of Garai Books, Sonia
Morgan, representing the publishers of the online top seller.
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