David Simmons (judge)


Sir David Anthony Cathcart Simmons, KA, BCH, QC, MP, LL.M., Hon’y. LL.D, is a distinguished Caribbean jurist and politician: a former Chief Justice of Barbados, he also served as Attorney General.

Early life and education

David Simmons was born in Saint Philip, Barbados, the oldest child of Sybil a nurse and Kenneth, a teacher. He has 3 brothers, Robin, Peter, Philip and 1 sister Janette. His godparents were Sir Hugh Springer and Dr Hugh Gordon Cummins.
He was educated at the Wesley Hall Boys' School, St Philip's Boys' School, and The Lodge School and then attended university in London, studying at the London School of Economics 1960-1965, graduating as Master of Laws and being called to the bar at Lincolns Inn.
While in London, Simmons also reported as a journalist on the 1966 Barbados Independence Conference.

Legal career

Simmons returned to Barbados and joined the chambers of Sir Henry Forde, becoming a Queen’s Counsel after 14 years of practice, a record time in Barbados. He also lectured in law at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill.

Political career

Simmons became active in the Barbados Labour Party. In 1971, he stood unsuccessfully in the St Philip North seat, before winning it in a by-election in 1976. He served as the House of Assembly member for St Thomas from 1985 until his retirement in 2001, including three terms as Attorney General.

Later career and honours

Simmons was made a Knight of St Andrew in November 2001.
On 1 January 2002, he became Chief Justice of Barbados. He is a Member Of The Regional Judicial And Legal Services Commission of the Caribbean Court of Justice and Chairman of the Turks and Caicos Integrity Commission.
He has also served as Chairman of a number of national and international judicial bodies:
In 2006, Sir David was elected as an Honorary Bencher of the Honorable Society of Lincoln's Inn.
Simmons chaired the 2013 CONCACAF investigation which found FIFA Vice President Jack Warner guilty of corruption.
In 2013, he was appointed Chairman of the Tivoli Inquiry into the violence surrounding the 2010 arrest of Christopher Coke.

Personal life

Simmons married Marie McCormack, later Madam Justice McCormack ; they have a son Gavin and a daughter Lynne-Marie.
His personal interests include calypso music and cricket.