Mel Cooke, Freelance Writer

Author Professor David P. Rowe adresses the audience at the launch of the book 'Ira Rowe, Caribbean Lawyer', held at Hotel Four Seasons, Ruthven Road on Saturday. The book is published by Garai Books. - Winston Sill / Freelance Photographer

Saturday afternoon's launch of 'Ira Rowe, Caribbean Lawyer: Materials, Tributes and Cases' was in large part almost as weighty as the tome's imposing title.

However, with Senator Frederick Hamaty giving some personal insight on the late President of the Court of Appeal in his keynote address and Crafton Miller speaking of his 'Uncle Ira' with wit and depth of feeling in the lengthy closing remarks, the bread of an outstanding life was made lighter at the Four Seasons Hotel, Ruthven Road, St. Andrew.

The book is written by Ira Rowe's son, David Rowe, and published by the Florida-based Garai Books.

Fascination with justice

In his extensive opening remarks, Byron Blake concentrated on the late judge's "fascination with justice", saying that "he became the personal embodiment of justice in its purest form". He pointed specifically to the case Queen vs. Oliver Whylie (1977), saying that it established standards for evidence, also noting that "his work ethic and range of involvement are legendary".

Hamaty expanded on that ethic, noting that Rowe's "work, character, nobility of spirit are indelibly enshrined in the memories of all who knew Ira". There was laughter as Hamaty recalled his first case ever, tried by Rowe, in which he volunteered to read the case, interview the defendant Gilbert Reid and be ready for trial in 45 minutes, this after Reid's attorney died, the Senator producing a newspaper clipping of a then youngster's first foray into the courtroom.

There was laughter at a few anecdotes about a man who "loved good food, drink and good company".

David Rowe noted that his father was the first black student at Munro College in St. Elizabeth, saying that once salt was thrown into his coffee there. That was expanded by Miller, who said at the time Munro was worse than South Africa, and attributed Rowe's entry into the school to a land donation by his uncle Mark and an agreement by a lady named Rowe (no relation) to keep him within 'day-boy' distance. In addition to that, his father went on the Farm Work programme to get the 18 pounds sterling necessary per term.

Silent with sadness

At one point, after a bout of humour, Miller went silent with sadness and his daughter took his right arm, providing support for some time.

The launch was hosted by Rowe's daughter-in-law, Rosemarie Robinson, vice-president of Garai Books, Sonia Morgan, representing the publishers of the online top seller.