Dear Editor,
After half a century and more as an attorney at law, Senior Counsel Mr Doodnauth Singh will no longer take part in the work of developing Caribbean or West Indian jurisprudence. Coming after a long line of eminent lawyers, SC Doodnauth Singh became one of a small number of lawyers to whom suspects and offenders looked hopefully for defence against the power of the state and police. As leader or member of a team for the defence, Attorney at Law Doodnauth Singh held the feet of the prosecution to the fire. Police witnesses were uneasy under his cross-examination. One of his resources as a defence lawyer was perhaps his experience early in his practice as Legal Adviser to the police. He would always interrogate the investigation rigorously to ensure that the individual accused by the machine called the state enjoyed the standard rights available under the law.
He was a member or collaborator of the Citizens Committee along with professionals who had been impressed by Walter Rodney’s decision to remain in a country whose officials had refused his services as an educator. The Citizens Committee cooperated with the professional, trade union and religious leaders who wished to avoid a partisan approach to national affairs.
SC Doodnauth Singh was unapologetically on the side of the beleaguered combatants in the civil rebellion of the late nineteen seventies, and, along with prominent Caribbean lawyers, put his formidable courtroom skills at the disposal of the defence of Arnold Rampersaud, as well as of the treason and the arson accused.
WPA mourns the passing of a brave and valued friend and extends sincerest condolences to his sorrowing family, colleagues and friends.
Yours faithfully,
David Hinds
For the WPA
