Five months after the passing of King’s Counsel Valerie Neita Robertson, the Jamaican Bar Association (JAMBAR) posthumously awarded her at their 2025 Annual Awards Banquet at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston on Sunday, July 27.

Neita Robertson, a former stalwart in Jamaica’s legal community, was known for her strict and deep desire for the truth and has appeared in some of Jamaica’s more prominent criminal cases. Her last major case before her death was representing Lance Corporal Greg Tingling, who was found not guilty in November 2024 of the fatal shooting of accountant Keith Clarke. 

Clarke was shot 25 times in his master bedroom at his Kirkland Close home in St Andrew on May 27, 2010, during a police-military operation targeting then fugitive drug lord Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke. 

Although she was silently suffering from brain cancer, the news of her passing sent shockwaves through the legal fraternity. She was 71 years old at the time of her passing on February 24. 

In addition to Neita Robertson, tributes were also paid to the late Suzanne Ffolkes-Goldson, attorney-at-law and former senior lecturer and deputy dean in the Faculty of Law at the University of the West Indies, Mona campus. Ffolkes-Goldson passed on October 2, 2023.  

Although not given the roses while they were still alive, Tenneshia Watkins, president of JAMBAR, believes the recognition of both women at this year’s event was indeed necessary. 

“The Jamaican Bar Association is proud to recognise this year’s honourees, whose careers reflect the highest standards of legal excellence, ethical leadership, and service to others. Each individual being celebrated has made a unique and lasting contribution to the profession—whether through trailblazing advocacy, visionary leadership, or steadfast mentorship. Their work continues to uplift our community and inspire the next generation,” Watkins told Our Today. 

Watkins added: “Alongside these distinguished individuals, we are moved to honour Valerie posthumously. Her contributions—whether through advocacy, mentorship, scholarship, or unwavering professionalism—have left an indelible mark on our legal community. To many, Valerie represented the highest ideals of our profession: integrity, excellence, and a deep commitment to justice. Her passing does not diminish the relevance of her legacy. On the contrary, it invites us to acknowledge and celebrate the pathways she helped pave and the lives she enriched along the way,” Watkins said. 

“By honouring her, we not only express our gratitude but affirm the importance of continuity, remembrance, and inspiration—ensuring that her spirit and contributions remain part of our shared story,” she added.

Dmitry Robertson told Our Today that he felt tremendously honoured to know that the JAMBAR was recognising his mother for her steadfast commitment to Jamaica’s justice system. 

“It is a tremendous honour to have our mother, the late Valerie Neita Robertson, KC, posthumously recognised by the Jamaican Bar Association (JAMBAR). The award signals the legal community’s recognition of her stellar work and advocacy, all of which form a part of her enduring legacy. As a founding member of the Advocates’ Association, she trained and imparted her skills and knowledge to many young advocates. We are therefore extremely proud of what our mother accomplished in her personal and professional spheres. 

“We would wish to extend our sincere appreciation to the JAMBAR and its executive team for their efforts in honouring her remarkable legacy. Additionally, we take this opportunity to thank the other members of the legal fraternity who continue to uphold and celebrate her contributions to the law,” Dmitry told Our Today. 

“The family continues to grieve this significant loss—the loss of a giant in the legal fraternity, a social justice advocate, and champion of the voiceless. A loss of a woman who dedicated her life to serving and will be forever known as the People’s Counsel. We also mourn the void left by a remarkable human being: a mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. In many ways, while we celebrate her life, we still feel robbed by the suddenness of her passing.  Even as we continue to grieve, this award illustrates that our mother left an indelible mark on her colleagues at the Bar, clients and the Jamaican society as a whole. May our family inherit half her strength and commitment to justice and human rights,” he said. 

During the afternoon awards event, Sandra Minott-Phillips, KC, and wife of Peter Phillips, retired president of the People’s National Party, and John Leiba, who was called to the Jamaican Bar in 1973 and is the former Managing Partner of the legal firm DunnCox, were recognised for their contribution to the legal profession.