You’re the first Black Queen’s Counsel in Northern England. Does this have any personal significance for you?

Once it sank in I realised it was a massive personal achievement for which I feel hugely honoured and privileged. But from the wider perspective, given we are in 2015, it’s a pity that I am the first. That means there remains a lot more to be done and I have a significant responsibility in terms of encouraging and assisting those who will follow after me.

What was it about a legal career that sparked your interest?

I grew up at a time when the atmosphere was politically much hotter than it is now and there was a real sense of social and racial injustice in the type of inner-city community that I was brought up in (Chapeltown in Leeds). I was sparked by the need to address those issues and inspired by those legal luminaries, activists and elders who were tackling them in my community at the time. In that regard I have to mention Jamaican-born Courtenay Griffiths, QC, who was hugely influential and helpful in my decision to become a barrister and the direction I have since taken.

What prompted your current trip to Jamaica? Work or leisure?

Both. It would be a crime to come to Jamaica and not enjoy as much of what this place has to offer!

What do you most look forward to in Kingston when the plane kisses the tarmac at the airport?

Soaking up Kingston’s diversity, its cosmopolitan feel and the real underbelly of culture that it’s difficult for the tourism ads to truly capture. I love that I can combine that with catching up with friends and family. The perfect combination.

What would you do if you were mayor of Kingston for a day?

Kingston is a great place with areas of exceptional beauty. Speaking only as a visitor, it would be great if everywhere for every person was clean, tidy and habitable. I would take measures to make sure that everywhere was clean and tidy for everyone, whether they are visitors or residents.

What is your drink of choice?

Whilst in Jamaica, the day doesn’t start unless I have had a cup of freshly brewed coffee, preferably true Blue Mountain. A glass of good wine with friends in the evening (special mention to Uncorked!). If the evening continues, a long rum and ginger beer.

Share the title of the last book you read.

Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Inidan Tribe in American History by S C Gwynne.

What cologne are you splashing?

In general, I don’t, but when I do it’s Issey Miyake’s L’Eau D’Issey. It was a gift from my wife; she adores it.

Share your favourite spots from your travel book.

1. Round Hill, Hanover, where my wife and I got married. We returned recently for our anniversary and it was as adorable as the wedding day itself. The views from Strawberry Hill are a close second.

3. The vibe and hustle of walking down Los Ramblas in Barcelona.

4. Paris, for obvious reasons.

5. Anywhere for skiing!

Oh, and of course, coming “home” to St Elizabeth, where my parents originated from, is always special.

Which fictional lawyer scores your vote: Atticus Finch or Perry Mason?

Atticus, every time!

What’s on your must-do list for 2015?

Hopefully to come back here for a real break!

What’s playing on your car stereo or iPod?

Depends on if the kids are around or not — they rule the selection, of course! In which case, take your pick from any cartoon soundtrack going.

In my private moments, anything from 1988-1993’s golden era of hip-hop and dancehall. I am showing my age but my favourite artiste is Rakim.

If I am working I like to have Miles Davis, Gil Scott-Heron and Roy Ayres in the background helping me along.

What is your life philosophy?

For my personal approach to life and work: “Do for self.”

My approach to others: “Each one, reach one.”

In my view, an important combination to have is self-realisation and uplifting our wider community.