Published 29 June 2023
Basseterre
Buckie Got It, St Kitts Nevis News Source
STATEMENT OF CONDOLENCE ON THE PASSING OF
HIS EXCELLENCY SIR S. W. TAPLEY SEATON, GCMG, CVO, KC, JP, LLD
The St. Kitts and Nevis Bar Association deeply mourns the passing of His Excellency Sir Samuel
Weymouth Tapley Seaton, GCMG, CVO, KC, JP, LLD.
His Excellency Sir Tapley Seaton had an historic career dedicated to providing sterling service and contribution to his Nation, as the First Attorney General of an independent St. Kitts and Nevis
and as the fourth Governor General of this Federation.
Among his many civic duties, Sir Tapley Seaton gave exemplary service to the St. Kitts and Nevis Bar Association and to the OECS Bar Association, having served as President at key points in the history of both Associations. Even after becoming Governor General in September 2015, Sir Tapley remained readily available to provide valuable assistance, mentorship, and guidance to attorneys and to the St. Kitts and Nevis Bar Association generally. The Bar Association formally recognised Sir Tapley Seaton with a Gala Dinner held in his honour at the Marriott Resort in September 2015. The Bar Association also had the privilege of hosting events under His Excellency’s distinguished patronage during the Bar Association’s annual Law Weeks in 2018 and in 2019.
Sir Tapley has undoubtedly left a rich and indelible legacy of contribution to our profession. After serving as Crown Counsel in the Attorney General’s Chambers and as High Court Registrar (Ag.) from 1975-1980, he was appointed Attorney General of St. Kitts and Nevis in 1980 and served in that role until 1995. Sir Tapley’s involvement in the nation-building process of our young country remains worthy of celebration. He is noted as one of the architects of our nation’s 1983 Independence Constitution and oversaw the drafting and introduction of several pieces of groundbreaking legislation which assisted in the development of St. Kitts and Nevis. As Attorney General, he also established and chaired the Committee to oversee the construction of a new Courthouse after the destruction of the original Courthouse by fire in September 1982.
In December 2021, the new Court Annex Building at Independence Square, St. Kitts, was named in his honour as recognition of his persistent work on behalf of the administration of justice, including his advocacy for the improvement of the facilities in which justice is sought and dispensed.
In 1984, he was named a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO). In 1988, he had the distinction of being appointed as one of Her Majesty’s Counsel, and in 2015 he was appointed a Knight Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George (GCMG)upon being knighted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
The St. Kitts and Nevis Bar Association pays homage to one of its greatest stalwarts and will forever be grateful for his commitment to the work of the Association and for his championing of the cause of justice in St. Kitts and Nevis. Our deepest condolences are extended to Sir Tapley’s beloved sister and our colleague, Mrs. Marguerite Foreman, his family, and staff of the Law Office of Seaton & Foreman, and to the Nation which now mourns his passing.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
