Closing Address

In this book, Vernon Behrens De Lima, S.C. documents his autobiography in conjunction with the backstory of culture, politics and legal fabric in Trinidadian society. This narrative covers the era between the Colonial domination of the 1950s up to the present. The author's story illustrates the cosmopolitan nature of Trinidad's population. It highlights both the achievements as well as the reasons why criminal behavior has thrived and

exploded in Trinidad and Tobago during his lifetime. He writes of the tragedy of losing his wife, but he has recovered to celebrate the lives of his children and grandchildren who he adores.

As a trial lawyer, he represented all who needed his assistance. For those who were guilty, he pleaded for mercy. For those who were innocent, he 'moved heaven and earth' to establish their innocence. He relates stories of his most fascinating cases of international as well as local acclaim and relates verdicts of success, failure and outright miscarriages of justice. Through it all, his writing reflects his undying love for the land of his birth. At times you can almost hear the music of the quatro, steel band and calypso in the background.

The author writes in an engaging style that reveals the most important areas of his life: his faith, family, friends and law career. He discusses his personal and professional life with the love, care and respect anchored in the morals and principles of his upbringing and his profession. A book rich in narrative and history, this is one that scholars and historians will surely use as a reference for that era.