ROAD TOWN, Tortola, British Virgin Islands — British Virgin Islands attorney J’Nae Janiqué Hopkins has been selected as one of two recipients of the 2026 Nicole Sylvester Memorial Scholarship, awarded by the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Bar Association.

Hopkins, who serves as Crown Counsel in the Civil Division of the Attorney General’s Chambers in the BVI, will receive the scholarship alongside Jessica Zouetr of Antigua and Barbuda.

The scholarship provides young lawyers with an opportunity to attend the Annual Regional Law Conference and is awarded in recognition of professional excellence, community service and involvement in local bar associations.

Hopkins was admitted to practise before the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court in 2022. She holds an LL.B. (Hons.) from The University of the West Indies (UWI) and a Legal Education Certificate from the Eugene Dupuch Law School.

She is currently pursuing a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Public Law at UWI’s Mona Campus, further developing her expertise in an area closely aligned with her current professional practice.

According to the OECS Bar Association, Hopkins has developed a practice focused on public law, while demonstrating a strong commitment to public service and professional development. She is also looking forward to strengthening her engagement with legal colleagues across the region.

The scholarship honours the late Nicole O.M. Sylvester, who was the youngest and first female president of the OECS Bar Association. Sylvester, who passed away in 2015, pioneered the first Law Fair, which was renamed the Law Conference in 2014, and coordinated its first nine editions.

For Hopkins, the recognition comes as she continues to build her legal career in public service while pursuing advanced studies in public law.

The OECS Bar Association said the scholarships are intended to support young lawyers who demonstrate not only professional excellence, but also a commitment to their communities and their respective legal professions.