T&T attorney dies addressing Court of Appeal

CMC – Former deputy chief state solicitor general, Neil Byam, collapsed and died on Friday while addressing the Court of Appeal. “We can confirm that there was a medical incident involving an attorney in court today,” the judiciary said.

Byam was before Court of Appeal judges Allan Mendonca, Prakash Moosai and Gillian Lucky, shortly before 11:00 am (local time) when he collapsed and had to be assisted by Senior Counsel Douglas Mendes who helped lowered him to the floor where attempts were made unsuccessfully to resuscitate him.

Former Attorney General, Faris Al-Rawi, speaking in the Parliament, confirmed Byam’s death, telling legislators he was a public servant of note.

“Mr Neil Byam collapsed and passed away literally in the Court of Appeal today and permit me Madam Speaker having worked with Mr Byam for many years in my capacity a s Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs and years prior to offer deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. “Surely today, he did not wake up with the intention of departing from us that soon. May the Lord, God rest his soul in eternal peace and may the Lord have mercy on him. Dear Lord we pray for that,” Al Rawi added.

Former deputy chief state solicitor general, Neil Byam, collapsed and died on Friday while addressing the Court of Appeal.