Dame Janice Pereira Scholarship Launched
A gala launch has introduced the Dame Janice M. Pereira Scholarship, created to honour the first female Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court and a proud daughter of the Virgin Islands. Legal leaders, government officials, corporate sponsors and community groups gathered to unveil the scholarship's vision, criteria and long-term goals and to call for ongoing community and corporate support.
A gala celebration in the Virgin Islands has launched the Dame Janice M. Pereira Scholarship, an initiative established to honour the legacy of the Honourable Dame Janice M. Pereira, DBE, KC — the first female Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court and a proud daughter of the Virgin Islands.
The evening brought together members of the legal fraternity, government representatives, corporate partners and community leaders for a night of celebration and purpose. Organisers described the scholarship as a long-term commitment to fostering excellence in the local legal community and improving access to legal education and justice in the territory.
Dame Janice Pereira delivered the keynote address, sharing personal reflections and outlining her vision for legal education and access to justice in the region. Her remarks underscored the scholarship’s intent to inspire and support future generations of Virgin Islands lawyers who will serve the community and uphold the rule of law.
Remarks were also given by Tamara Maduro, President of the BVI Bar Association, who reflected on the significance of the scholarship for the bar and for young people in the Territory. Charles Goldblatt, Co-Chair of the Scholarship Committee, spoke about the committee’s plans and the governance structures that will guide the scholarship’s administration.
Early supporters of the initiative included the Rotary Club of Central Tortola (RCCT), represented by President Zoe J. Walcott and Director Felina Moss, who framed the club’s involvement around its motto “Unite for Good.” Silver sponsor Kobre & Kim was represented by partner and Rotarian Timothy de Swardt, highlighting the role of local and international law firms in backing educational opportunities.
The launch featured the unveiling of the scholarship’s vision, selection criteria and long-term goals. While organisers emphasised that details on application timelines and eligibility will be made available through the Scholarship Committee, the broad aim is clear: to strengthen the pipeline of legal talent from the Virgin Islands, improve access to legal study, and encourage graduates to contribute to public and private legal practice locally.
Speakers made a joint call for continued corporate and community participation to ensure the scholarship’s sustainability. For BVI residents, organisers say the fund represents both a tribute to Dame Pereira’s trailblazing career and a practical step toward expanding opportunities for young people pursuing careers in law.
Primary source: VINO