Bio
I have a background in political science and sociology and worked in the Prime Minister’s Office (Barbados) shortly after my undergraduate studies as a researcher. I later pursued my Masters in Trade Law, and PhD in International Economic Law, focusing on the relationship between different systems in international law. After completing my doctorate, I lectured at Durham Law School, the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) and University of London.
I transitioned into legal practice, qualifying as a solicitor in England & Wales, gaining extensive experience in structured products, banking, finance, and general corporate and commercial law at renowned international law firms Ashurst and K&L Gates and, investment bank, Goldman Sachs in London, and leading law firm Conyers Dill & Pearman in the British Virgin Islands. I am called as a lawyer in England & Wales, Barbados and British Virgin Islands.
Returning to academia, my current research interests revolve around Caribbean constitutionalism, politics & political economy. My journey allowed me to blend practical legal experience and academic exploration to provide insights into the intersection of Caribbean law, politics, and political economy.
Qualifications
PhD, (International economic law), (passed without corrections, which is the highest accolade as a Doctorate is not awarded a specific grade), Newcastle Law School, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, 2008
LLM, (Distinction) (International trade law), (graduated first in the class), Newcastle Law School, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, 2004
BSc., Sociology & Political Science (Honours), University of the West Indies, Cave Hill, 2001
Study Abroad Programme, (Political Economy & Law), University of California, Berkeley, 2001 (GPA 4.0)
Professional Qualifications
Post Graduate Certificate in University Teaching and Learning (Grade A), University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, 2020
Legal Education Certificate (LEC), Hugh Wooding Law School, Trinidad, 2020
Legal Practice Course (LPC), College of Law, Moorgate, London, 2011
LL.B, Honours Degree, 2017 (Graduate Diploma in Law, 2011) BPP University, Law School, London, UK
Research Areas
I have an interest in Politics and Law, focusing on Caribbean politics, constitutionalism, and political economy.
My recent research has focused on assessing recent elections in Guyana and the judicialization of politics—an underexplored area in the Caribbean. By using Guyana as a case study, I aim to shed light on the intricate dynamics of Caribbean democracy and governance.
Additionally, I have explored the transition from constitutional monarchy to republic in the Caribbean using Barbados as the case study, examining the legal and political aspects of the transition. Overall, my work critiques the shortcomings of the liberal Westminster democratic system, particularly its suitability and adaptability to the Caribbean. This includes addressing challenges of maintaining a truly participatory democracy and placing ‘The People’ at the heart of their constitution and polity.
My current research revolves around Caribbean political and constitutional reform.
Teaching Areas
Law and Legal Systems
Select Publications
Book
The Relationship Between WTO Law and External Law: The Constrained Openness of WTO Law (A Prologue to a Theory). Routledge, Cambridge: UK, 2012
Articles
Cynthia Barrow-Giles and Ronnie Yearwood, “Mandatory Constitutional Referendums in Commonwealth Caribbean Constitutions: Placing “People” at the Centre of the Constitution” King’s Law Journal (2023)
Ronnie Yearwood, “Barbados’ Transition to a Republic: ‘Republic in Name First, Constitutional Reform After’, ‘Stuff and Nonsense!’' Journal of Parliamentary and Political Law/Revue de Driot Parlementaire et Politique 16 (2022)
Cynthia Barrow-Giles and Ronnie Yearwood, “The Judicialisation of elections in Guyana: A case study of the March 02, 2020 General and Regional Elections.” Journal of Eastern Caribbean Studies, Vol. 45, No. 2, December 2020, Special Issue The 2020 Guyana Elections
Ronnie Yearwood and Cynthia Barrow-Giles, “GECOM and the 2020 General and Regional Elections in Guyana: Constitutional Powerhouse or Political Powerlessness?” Journal of Eastern Caribbean Studies Vol. 45, No. 2, December 2020, Special Issue The 2020 Guyana Elections
Cynthia Barrow-Giles and Ronnie Yearwood, “CARICOM and the 2020 Unsettled Elections in Guyana: A Failed Political (Legal) Solution?” The Round Table: The Commonwealth Journal of International Affairs
Additional Info
Admitted to the Bar of Barbados as an Attorney-at-Law (2020)
Admitted to the Roll as a Solicitor of the Senior Courts of England & Wales (2013)
Admitted to the Roll as a Solicitor of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, British Virgin Islands (2016)
Freeman of The City of London Solicitors’ Company (2018)
Chevening Scholar (2003)
National Development Scholar (2005)
Overseas Research Scholar (2006)
Attorney-at-law, Barbados (2020)
Keywords
Caribbean Constitutionalism
Politics & Law
Democracy and Governance
International Economic Law