The BVI Bar Association has welcomed a new local Barrister to its ranks, McKay Andrew. McKay was called to the Bar of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court by the Honourable Justice Vicki-Ann Ellis at a hearing held virtually on 15 December 2021.
McKay's application was moved by Mr Renell Benjamin, an associate at Walkers, and supported by Walkers partner Miss Rosalind Nicholson. Mr Benjamin drew the Hon Justice Ellis's attention to McKay's excellent academic credentials and her qualifications which render her a fit and proper person for admission as a Barrister.
McKay was born and raised in Road Town, Tortola. She undertook her tertiary education at the H Lavity Stoutt Community College where she was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa International Honour Society and graduated Magna Cum Laude. McKay then pursed a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Finance at the Arkansas State University in the USA where she was inducted into the Beta Omicron Sigma Honor Society. Turning her mind to a career in law, McKay then undertook the Graduate Diploma in Law at the Lancashire Law School, where she obtained the highest mark of Distinction in her year.
McKay was also awarded the prestigious Chevening Scholarship award which recognises outstanding young leaders from amongst the 54 countries in the Commonwealth. This award enabled McKay to pursue a Master of Laws in Bar Vocational Studies at The City Law School in London, where she obtained yet another level of academic distinction. McKay was called to the Utter Bar of England and Wales by the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple in July 2021.
In supporting McKay's application for admission, Miss Nicholson submitted that in addition to McKay's excellent academic qualifications, and her obvious natural abilities which these bore out, the Judge should also take into account the consistent hard work, focus, dedication and pursuit of excellence which McKay had demonstrated. Miss Nicholson also spoke of the importance of the rule of law, and of the primary responsibility which McKay would undertake as a Barrister to strive in everything she does.
McKay in her own address to the Court expressed appreciation to her parents, McIntyre and Jennifer Andrew; her maternal grandparents, Javais and Fidelia Gordon; her paternal grandmother Anne Haughton; and her mentors and close friends. She further expressed gratitude to Bishop Ishmael and Lady Patricia Charles and the members of the New Testament Church of God International Worship Centre who kept her in their prayers throughout her academic pursuits.
McKay is currently undertaking pupillage with Walkers BVI under Miss Nicholson's supervision and is seated with Mr Benjamin who is acting as her pupil master. Walkers is delighted that McKay has chosen to train with them and proud to be supporting her at the start of what promises to be a brilliant career.
