The passing of Ashton Chase ushered in the end of an era spanning the entire modern history of Guyana from its earliest conception. He was a founding member of the Political Affairs Committee which gave rise to the People’s Progressive Party. But it also confirms the end of another era – that of the great lawyer – one who appears in great, nationally impactful cases and stamps their personalities on the profession. The surviving trio of that generation were Ashton Chase, Rex McKay and the lesser-known Joseph King. Their era ended when they terminated their legal practice in the way that lawyers do – with decreasing tempo spread over many years. But a time comes when the brain loses the support of the body. I was fortunate to appear in many cases against Ashton Chase and Rex McKay and in some with Joseph King. I learnt from these numerous appearances what no textbook can teach.
