Prominent King’s Counsul Charles Wilkin Passes at 77 years

Source: Erasmus Williams FB
BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS – Prominent attorney Charles Wilkin, KC, has passed away.

Wilkin died around midday on Saturday at the age of 77.

Born in St. Kitts, Wilkin received his early education on the island before pursuing higher education abroad. He graduated in law from Pembroke College, Cambridge, and earned a Master of Arts degree from the University of Cambridge. He was called to the English Bar at Lincoln’s Inn in 1971 and shortly thereafter returned to St. Kitts, where he practised law continuously.

He initially partnered with Frederick Kelsick in the law firm Kelsick and Wilkin. In 1988, he became Senior Partner of Kelsick, Wilkin and Ferdinand, one of the Federation’s leading law firms. In recognition of his distinguished legal career, he was appointed Queen’s Counsel (QC) in 1998. Following the accession of King Charles III, the title became King’s Counsel (KC).

Wilkin devoted many years to public service. He served as Chairman of the Electoral Commission from 1988 to 1996 and chaired the National Competitiveness Council from 2010 to 2012. Since 1979, he had also served as a director of The Development Bank Company (TDC), one of the region’s leading publicly traded companies listed on the Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange (ECSE).

An accomplished sportsman, Wilkin represented St. Kitts in both cricket and football. He also played cricket for Cambridge University and the Combined Leeward and Windward Islands. His passion for sport extended beyond the playing field, as he chaired St. Kitts and Nevis’ Local Organising Committee for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to national development and public service, Wilkin was appointed a Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George (CMG) in Her Majesty’s 2010 New Year Honours.

Throughout his legal career, Wilkin specialised in corporate, commercial, and real estate law, earning widespread respect as one of the Federation’s most accomplished legal minds.

Beyond the courtroom, he was a founding director of WINN FM, the Federation’s leading independent news and current affairs radio station. He was also a respected commentator and writer on constitutional, legal, and social issues.

In November 2015, Wilkin published his first book, Breaking the Cycle: Politics, Constitutional Change and Governance in St. Kitts and Nevis, a thoughtful examination of the nation’s political evolution and governance.

Charles Wilkin’s passing marks the end of a distinguished career dedicated to the law, public service, sports, media, and national development. He leaves behind a lasting legacy that has profoundly shaped St. Kitts and Nevis.