Dr. Jason Haynes, a Vincentian scholar, has been appointed as an Academic Fellow by the Middle Temple. Dr. Haynes currently serves as the Deputy Dean in the Faculty of Law at the University of the West Indies, Cavehill Campus. He was also an island scholar; receiving the Prime Minister’s Award in the year 2008 and has been a recipient of the Chevening scholarship and Commonwealth International Scholarship. During his academic journey at the UWI, the University of Nottingham and the University of Durham, Haynes has received a number of academic awards and has distinguished himself from other members of the graduating classes by successfully completing his studies with honours and distinction. The Vincentian scholar is also a former student of the St. Martin’s Secondary School.
With his most recent appointment, Haynes told ANN that he intends to continue to develop his areas of expertise, which are niche areas in the Caribbean, by producing original research that is beneficial to the academic community, members of the Bar and policy makers. He highlighted the areas of expertise that he will further develop, which are sports law, foreign investment law, and anti-trafficking law. He noted that the position of Academic Fellow is a three year appointment, which aims to recognize outstanding contribution of legal teaching and research of early to mid-career academics to the Bar of England and Wales. Another objective of this position is to support fellows’ research and to enable fellows to build stronger ties with the practising Bar. As an appointed fellow, he is expected to give lectures at the Inn, write moot problems, participate in events at which students are present, and to write articles for The Middle Templar.
Haynes said that he feels honoured to have been nominated for the position by sitting judges who have read his research with interest and have described his work as “high quality and impactful research”. While he expressed the honour of being selected for the prestigious position, the legal expert said that he is also humbled by this opportunity.
“I am both thrilled and humbled to have been afforded this opportunity to assist in bridging the gap between the practising Bar and academia. I am delighted that the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple felt it apposite to appoint me, from among a competitive group of academics, to this position.”
When ANN asked the Vincentian scholar about his advice to young persons, Haynes eagerly responded that young people should dream big.
“I would encourage young, ambitious individuals, particularly from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, to dream big; do not be encumbered by the voices of naysayers, social pressures to conform to mediocrity, or the vestiges of poverty and disenfranchisement. Focus on the process, and the results will come.”
Haynes emphasized the point that success is attainable by all and implored all young persons to work hard. He attributed much of his success to his Christian faith and his constant pursuit of excellence.
“I am an example that success does not belong only to a select privileged few; to the extent that your hard work is matched only by your faith in God, all things are possible.”