The Ministry of Justice paid tribute to a lawyer who made an “extraordinary and lasting contribution” to Bermuda.

A statement discussed the achievements of Zambian-born Gwen Nawa Johnson, who joined the Ministry of Justice in Bermuda in 2010.

It said Ms Johnson’s legal career, which spanned more than four decades and several countries, was “marked by exceptional service in legislative drafting, financial services regulation and international law”.

Ms Johnson worked in Zambia and Botswana, where she served as Assistant Attorney-General, before coming to Bermuda as a Deputy Chief Parliamentary Counsel within the Attorney-General’s Chambers.

She later served as Parliamentary Counsel and Consultant Parliamentary Counsel with the Chambers.

The statement said: “During her tenure in Bermuda, Ms Johnson made an extraordinary and lasting contribution to the Island’s legislative framework, particularly in strengthening Bermuda’s position as a leading, well-regulated international financial services jurisdiction.”

Her portfolio within the Ministry of Finance, which included Bills related to banks, taxation and investment funds, paved the way for reforms such as the corporate income tax.

The statement added: “Her expertise was also applied across a wide range of domestic policy areas, including tourism, landlord and tenant reform, cost of living measures and the introduction of a minimum hourly wage.

“Owing to her technical mastery, she was entrusted with highly complex legislation in areas such as intellectual property, cybercrime and computer misuse.”

Ms Johnson, who earned an MBA, a Master of Laws in International Business Law and Finance and other postgraduate qualifications, also drafted emergency regulations during the Covid-19 pandemic and a legislative manual for the Attorney-General’s Chambers.

Kim Wilkerson, Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, said Ms Johnson, who died on January 10, was a “deeply principled lawyer and a loyal public servant who gave her best to this ministry every day.”

She added: “Her work strengthened Bermuda’s legal and regulatory framework and enhanced the island’s reputation internationally as a credible, well governed jurisdiction.

“Her breadth of knowledge, calm authority and quiet leadership earned the respect of colleagues across Government, and her contributions will continue to shape our laws for generations to come.”

Ms Wilkerson also said: “Beyond her professional excellence, Gwen was a mentor, a source of guidance and a steady presence within the Chambers.

“She served Bermuda with integrity and grace and her loss is felt profoundly by all who had the privilege of working alongside her.”

Ms Johnson was honoured during a special valedictory sitting of the Supreme Court of Zambia on January 14.

The statement added: “The sitting, attended by members of the legal profession, family and friends, was followed by a church service and burial, recognising her distinguished service to the law and her lasting contribution to the legal profession in the diaspora.

“A memorial service, in Bermuda, is being planned to honour her contribution to the jurisdiction.”