AG’s statement on the passing of Mr. Justice of Appeal Wendell Kangaloo

The Attorney General notes with great sadness the passing of the late Justice of Appeal, Mr. Wendel Kangaloo. His passing leaves a void in the Judiciary and the legal profession which would be difficult to fill. He was a personal friend and mentor to the Honourable Attorney General who will greatly miss the wisdom of his counsel and friendship.

Justice Kangaloo was a senior member of the Judiciary, who acted on several occasions as the Chief Justice of Trinidad and Tobago, and had a long and distinguished career at the local Bar, in Public Service and the Government of Trinidad and Tobago.

Justice Kangaloo read for his law degree at the UWI Campus and was among the first to graduate from the Faculty of Law with First Class Honours in 1982. He was admitted to the Bar in 1984 and became a High Court Judge at the tender age of 39, which gave him the youngest High Court Judge at that time. When in December 2001 he was elevated to the Court of Appeal, he became the first Hugh Wooding Law School graduate to be so appointed.

In his private practice, Justice Kangaloo provided pro bono legal advice and assistance to many citizens who could not afford legal representation. This service to citizens in need was consistent with Justice Kangaloo’s well-established family’s tradition of dedicated service to our people and country.

Justice Kangaloo truly distinguished himself professionally as being objective fair and passionate about the law. He was one of those who bridged the barriers of the inner bar opening the doors to junior members of the profession. Personally he was an extraordinary individual who was loved for his compassion and humour.

The Attorney General and the staff of the Ministry of the Attorney General wish to pay tribute today to Justice Wendell Kangaloo for his contribution to the law and legal development in Trinidad and Tobago.

The Attorney General joins with the local Bar in mourning this great loss and equally celebrating the illustrious life of Mr. Justice Wendell Kangaloo.
To his bereaved family, the Attorney General extends deepest sympathies on his behalf and on behalf of the entire Ministry of the Attorney General.

SENATOR ANAND RAMLOGAN, S.C
ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE REPUBLIC OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
AND TITULAR HEAD OF THE BAR

Friday 19 July 2013