By Claudius J. Francis
I am proud to call him my friend, and for his friendship and guidance, I pay tribute to him.
Anthony Astaphan SC has carved out one of the most distinguished legal careers in the Caribbean, marked by fearless advocacy, constitutional mastery, and unwavering commitment to democratic governance.
Called to the Bar in 1983 and elevated to Senior Counsel in 1999 by the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, Astaphan has become a towering figure in Caribbean jurisprudence. Practicing across Dominica, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Antigua and Barbuda, and Saint Lucia, he is best known for his work in constitutional law, public law, and defamation, often representing governments and political leaders in high-stakes litigation.
Astaphan’s brilliance lies not only in his legal acumen but in his strategic grasp of political and constitutional dynamics. He has been instrumental in defending the legitimacy of elected governments, particularly in Dominica, where he has served as lead counsel in landmark cases involving electoral reform, judicial independence, and the separation of powers. His courtroom style, robust, unflinching, and deeply analytical, has earned him both admiration and controversy, a testament to his role as a legal lightning rod in the region.
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Among his most notable victories are cases that have shaped the constitutional landscape of the OECS. He has successfully argued before the Caribbean Court of Justice and the Privy Council, defending the rule of law and the prerogatives of elected officials. His advocacy has helped clarify the limits of judicial review, the scope of parliamentary privilege, and the boundaries of executive discretion.
Beyond litigation, Astaphan is a prolific commentator and public intellectual. His writings and media appearances reflect a deep concern for democratic integrity and legal accountability. He is also a former President of the Bar Association of Dominica, where he championed legal education and professional standards.
My friend, Anthony Astaphan SC’s career is not merely a chronicle of legal triumphs; it is a testament to the power of principled advocacy in shaping public life. His legacy continues to influence the development of Caribbean constitutional law, inspiring a new generation of lawyers to engage with the law not just as a profession, but as a calling. I have myself sat in courtrooms where nearly every citation was an Astaphan masterpiece. No better testimonial can a lawyer have.
