Attorney Shirlan ‘Zita’ Barnwell has firmly rejected assertions of potential conflict of interest regarding her dual appointments to both the Public Service Commission and Police Service Commission. The controversy stems from her previous legal representation of the Public Service Union (PSU) through her firm Thomas and Barnwell, which had engaged in multiple lawsuits against the former Unity Labour Party administration.
Barnwell clarified that her law practice no longer maintains any professional relationship with the PSU, noting that their formal retainer agreement concluded nearly two years ago. Frederick Attorney, with Maxron Holder as lead counsel, has represented the union for over a year according to Holder’s confirmation.
The sole remaining connection involves ongoing litigation before the Privy Council regarding the vaccine mandate case, which Barnwell characterizes as a legacy matter with limited current relevance. She emphasized that neither she nor her partner Jomo Thomas serves as lead counsel in this proceeding, with Cara Shillingford and a UK King’s Counsel taking primary responsibility.
Barnwell contends that her prior experience litigating against the PSC actually enhances her value as a commissioner. She believes her understanding of the Commission’s previous regulatory shortcomings will inform better operational practices moving forward. The attorney expressed optimism that her insider perspective could help prevent future legal challenges from public servants through improved compliance mechanisms.