Grenada's former Deputy prime minister, Bernard Coard, who was released from prison in September after spending 26 years behind bars for the murder of Grenada's Prime Minister, Maurice Bishop, was one of the many guests paying tribute to Howard Hamilton QC on Tuesday night at a function to celebrate his 50th year at the Bar.

Hamilton was among the Jamaican team of lawyers who defended Coard and his Jamaican wife, Phyllis, and the other Grenadians who were charged with the 1983 murder of Bishop and others.

Phyllis Coard was released from prison in 2000 and has since been living in Jamaica. She was also a guest at the function which was at the Terra Nova Hotel.

Great Jamaican

Hamilton was described by friends and relatives as a great Jamaican lawyer and was also praised for his advocacy.

In thanking Hamilton for the role he played from the time of his arrest to the time of his release, Coard, 65, said he met Hamilton under difficult and trying circumstances.

He said what "impressed us most was his integrity, his knowledge of the law, his advocacy and his passion."

He said they were very fortunate to have the Jamaican team of lawyers including Ian Ramsay, (now deceased) and Hamilton, defending them, and would always be grateful to the team.

Humble man

Hamilton, a former public defender, was also described as a truly great Jamaican who remained humble despite his achievements.

Coard was one of 13 prisoners who had previously been sentenced to death for killing Bishop, four Cabinet members and six supporters in a 1983 coup that triggered a United States invasion.

They appealed their convictions and sentences, and the United Kingdom Privy Council ruled that the death sentences were unconstitutional. They were re-sentenced in 2006 which paved the way for them to be set free within three years.

'... what impressed us most was his integrity, his knowledge of the law, his advocacy and his passion.'

- Coard