The Tribune

By PAVEL BAILEY

Tribune Staff Reporter

pbailey@tribunemedia.net

PROMINENT lawyers and political figures paid tribute on Saturday to Romona Farquharson Seymour, describing her as fearless in court and formidable in the legal field as her funeral was held at Salem Union Baptist Church.

Leader of the Opposition Dr Michael Pintard said Mrs Farquharson Seymour was a strong and present voice in the legal profession. He described her as a formidable attorney who did not sugarcoat the truth and was committed to holding people accountable. He said she asked hard questions and challenged uncomfortable thinking.

Reverend Cedric Farquharson said he was shocked to hear of her sudden death. He said she was cut down in the prime of her life.

Attorney Cathleen Hassan, a family friend, said Mrs Farquharson Seymour was a ferocious warrior for her clients and took on cases others were afraid to handle. She said Mrs Farquharson Seymour loved people even if they did not love her back. She described her as a devoted mother who ran a full-time law firm and said her daughters were always present in her office.

During his sermon, Reverend Heuter Rolle of Salem Baptist said she was a woman of faith who showed unwavering dedication to her church and family.

Mrs Farquharson Seymour was 49. She is survived by her widower, Calvin Seymour, a prominent attorney, and their two young daughters, Victoria and Sienna.

According to the Bahamas Bar Association, Mrs Farquharson Seymour was called to the Bar in 2001 and practised as a general attorney for more than two decades. She was involved in several high-profile matters.

She recently represented former Prison Commissioner Charles Murphy in his lawsuit against the government after he was placed on administrative leave in September 2021. That case is ongoing.

She was also part of the legal team for Long Island MP Adrian Gibson when he was initially arrested and questioned by officers from the Central Detective Unit in 2022 in connection with his tenure at the Water and Sewerage Corporation. Mr Gibson later went to trial represented by different counsel.

In 2023, Mrs Farquharson Seymour told The Tribune she intended to run for president of the Bahamas Bar Association, saying the organisation needed new vision and leadership. The incumbent, Khalil Parker, retained the post.

The Tribune understands that she had initially sought a Free National Movement nomination for the next general election but later withdrew her application.

Upon hearing of her passing last month, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis extended condolences to the family. He said Mrs Farquharson Seymour was a force in the legal field with a name that carried weight among her peers.