‘Legal giant’ Ret’d Justice Oslen Small laid to rest

Remembered for his legacy which exemplifies discipline, service, and justice, retired Justice Oslen Ainsworth Fitzgerald Small (CCH) was on Tuesday laid to rest.

A funeral service was held for Justice (Ret’d) Small at the Freedom Congressional Church in Stewartville, West Coast Demerara.

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips, who is performing the functions of the President, was among those who attended.

In his tribute, the Prime Minister honoured Justice Small as a “legal giant”, who upheld the law and led by example. He said Justice (Ret’d) Small dedicated service will continue to inspire judges, soldiers, and leaders.

Justice Small devoted his career to public service, beginning as a Magistrate in the East Coast Demerara Magisterial District before assuming the role of Registrar of the Supreme Court in the late 1970s.

He was appointed a High Court Judge in 1986 and served until his retirement in 1999.

His contributions extended beyond the judiciary, as he held key positions as Judge Advocate of the Guyana Defence Force until 2022 and Chair of the Parole Board from 2004 to 2021.

Additionally, he served as a long-time pastor at Smith Memorial Congregational Church.

In recognition of his exceptional service to Guyana, Justice Small was conferred with the Cacique’s Crown of Honour (CCH) – Guyana’s third highest national award, in May 2018.