Ascension : The Lone Lay Advocate Rides Again
Submitted by The Islander (Islander Editors) 21.01.2010 (Article Archived on 04.02.2010)

Johnny Hobson has been a lay advocate for many years and has unselfishly given time and his skills to assist Islanders.

Johnny Hobson has been a lay advocate for many years and has unselfishly given time and his skills to assist Islanders.  Until recently he has been one of a team of three but unfortunately recent changes on Ascension have meant the disappearance of the other two members so he is now indeed a Lone Ranger.

It is just not possible for one man (however good) to do this on his own.  It is not only a question of how much time a busy person can give to something which is after all not his job but there are often cases where in is simply not right for one person to advise on two sides of a dispute.  For instance if two men are fighting and both get arrested no one should advise both sides as they will inevitably have, shall we say, different points of view.

Training is being arranged quite soon to help any new Lay Advocates and everyone who has held the role has thoroughly enjoyed the challenge and the insight it gives not only into how the law works but also into their fellow human beings! 

So on Ascension we desperately need at least another couple of Lay Advocates and I would appeal to anyone who has an interest in people and in justice to seriously think about the possibility.  If you want to hear more about what is involved I am sure Johnny Hobson will fill you in or contact me by email giving a telephone number and I will give you a call for a chat.

Please do respond to this urgent appeal for help.  If you don’t feel you can help yourself why not think about other Ascension residents and encourage anyone suitable to put themselves forward.

It is challenging, it is fascinating and it will bring new experiences and most of all it helps people who are often not able to help themselves.   Remember if you do take this on you are very much not alone.  I regard giving support to the Lay Advocates as one of the first calls on my time.  The Lay Advocates are really an extension of my office and whilst we have separate clients there is a real feeling of team work as we all want to ensure the best possible legal services are available in Ascension.

Neil Davidson

Public Solicitor for Ascension Island

Email: solicitor@cwimail.sh