​MONTEGO BAY, St James — New president of the Cornwall Bar Association Dionne Mayler has listed accountability, protection for lawyers, and the introduction of a community outreach and charity programme to provide humanitarian service to females in lock-ups high on her agenda.

Mayler — was elected on Saturday to replace Michael Hemmings who did not seek re-election — argued that several females in lock-ups across western Jamaica are without personal sanitary and hygiene items.

She said the association will launch a project to assist in providing these necessary supplies to women in custody.

“We must do charity. We must give back. We must be seen as an organisation — because people just see us as making money. Yes, we may make money, but we have to give back, because a life without service is not a life worth living. And for the elderly members too, the welfare…,” stated Mayler during her address to the association’s annual general meeting at the S Hotel Club in St James on Saturday.

Mayler also emphasised the need for accountability and protection for lawyers.

“Sometimes we need protection from the Bench, sometimes we need protection from each other, and many times we need protection from the GLC [General Legal Council]. And so we will have to protect each other, and I am a president who will support protection,” declared Mayler.

“If you’re in danger with the GLC, don’t be afraid to approach [the association]. We will send you to where you need to go, help you with your affidavit to answer, and so that we protect you… We didn’t work so hard to lose this job. No, we didn’t. And so I will be here for that,” added Mayler, who has acted as a parish court judge and operates out of a law firm in Savanna-la-Mar.

Mayler also listed five items which she plans to address during her term in office — advocacy, improvements in personal and working conditions for lawyers in western Jamaica, the introduction of a mentorship and professional growth programme for young lawyers, the provision of continuing legal education, and the promotion of social unity.

“We need a strong collective voice. We have issues: We have inadequate court facilities, we have difficulties with registries, we have working condition issues, security, and safety,” stated Mayler.

She added that the association will also invest in the next generation through a ‘Future Lawyers Programme’, aimed at making the legal profession more attractive to students.

“At Career Day, we’re going to be roping in lawyers to go to schools, to speak to young people, and to encourage them to join the profession,” stated Mayler who will be supported in her 15-month term by deputy Tamika Spencer Anderson.

Other council members are Sasha Miller, Tuere Davis, Chum Paris, Lambert Johnson, Stacy Ann Young, Michael Hemmings, Paulette Neil, Jeanne Robinson-Foster, and Chrishana M Fregenette.