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With deep reverence and solemnity, St. Kitts and Nevis bid farewell to its longest-serving attorney-at-law, Mr. Reginald Kawaja, during a Thanksgiving Service held on Friday, December 27, 2024, at the St. Thomas Anglican Church, Nevis. The esteemed lawyer passed away on December 23, 2024, at the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy of over six decades of distinguished service to the legal profession and the community.

A Legacy of Legal Excellence

Called to the Bar in St. Kitts on March 9, 1957, Mr. Kawaja’s career began in England and Wales, where he was admitted as a barrister in 1956 by the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple. His legal practice flourished as the Senior Partner at R. L. Kawaja & Associates, with a specialization in corporate and banking law. Over the years, he served as Vice President of the St. Kitts and Nevis Bar Association and was an active member of the Organization of Commonwealth Caribbean Bar Associations (OCCBA).

In addition to his professional achievements, Mr. Kawaja was an esteemed community leader. He was the Legal Counsel and later Chairman of the Board of Directors at the Bank of Nevis, where he played a pivotal role in the institution’s development.

Dignitaries and Tributes

The service was attended by notable dignitaries and members of the legal fraternity. Among those present were former Prime Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas, former Deputy Prime Minister Sam Condor, Kings Counsels Theodore Hobson, Delano Bart, and Anthony Gonsalves, as well as Acting Senior Magistrate Yaasmine Clarke.

Heartfelt tributes poured in from:

• Former Premier Joseph Parry, who reflected on Mr. Kawaja’s lifelong contributions to the nation.
• Premier Mark Brantley, who lauded his unparalleled service to law and community development.
• Rawlinson Isaac, representing the Bank of Nevis, where Mr. Kawaja left an indelible mark.
• Oral Martin, a fellow member of the Chamber, who praised Mr. Kawaja’s mentorship and professionalism.

An Icon Remembered

Mr. Kawaja’s career spanned a remarkable 67 years, during which he witnessed and shaped the evolution of the legal landscape in St. Kitts and Nevis. His recollections, published in the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court 50th Anniversary Commemorative Magazine in 2017, offer a glimpse into the vibrant legal community of his early years.

He fondly remembered his contemporaries, including Sir Maurice Davis, F. E. Kelsick, and Eugene Walwyn, and recounted the camaraderie and competition that defined their era. Mr. Kawaja’s anecdotes highlighted his deep respect for the legal profession and his unwavering commitment to justice.

A Life Well Lived

Mr. Kawaja’s contributions extended beyond the courtroom. As Honorary Consul for the Federal Republic of Germany, he strengthened diplomatic ties and represented St. Kitts and Nevis with distinction on the global stage.

His passing marks the end of an era, leaving a void in the legal and civic spheres of St. Kitts and Nevis. However, his legacy will continue to inspire generations of lawyers and community leaders.

May his soul rest in eternal peace.