S. Louise Mitchell, born in Kingstown and brought up on the island of Bequia, is a distinguished legal professional and community leader with a rich and diverse background in law, finance, and public service. With a strong educational foundation and a commitment to excellence, she has made significant contributions to the legal and financial sectors, as well as dedicated efforts towards the preservation of cultural heritage and environmental conservation.

Education: Louise Mitchell’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from McGill University in 1992. She then immersed herself into Arab culture (having studied Latin American and Middle Eastern politics) by spending a year in Cairo where she studied Arabic and Arab Literature at the American University in Cairo in 1993, while working at the Egyptian Gazette. Her legal pursuits led her to earn an LLB (Hons) from Manchester University in 1997 and qualify as an Utter Barrister at the Inns of Court School of Law, City University, in 1998 (Inner Temple). In her relentless pursuit of legal knowledge, she also achieved a Master of Studies in Legal Research from Oxford University in 2001, having attended Hertford College. Her qualifications include being a Notary Public.

Professional Experience: Louise Mitchell’s professional journey has been marked by dedication and excellence. She was admitted to the Bar of England and Wales by the Inner Temple in 1998 and further expanded her legal reach by being admitted to the Bar of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and St. Lucia in 2000. 

From October 2009 to the present day, she has served as the Honorary Consul of Finland to St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

As the Founding Partner of Louise Mitchell and Associates, based in Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, since December 2007, she has played a pivotal role in the private law firm specializing in estate planning, corporate law, probate, and real estate transactions. Additionally, she serves as the Managing Director of Caribbean Trust Company (CTC), a licensed Trust Company registered with the Financial Services Authority, offering company and trust formations, as well as setting up of international banks. 

From 2001 to January 2007, Louise Mitchell served as the Executive Director of the International Financial Services Authority in Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, now the FSA. During her tenure, she was instrumental in regulatory and supervisory functions concerning international business entities, including banks, business companies, trusts, insurance companies, and mutual funds. She spearheaded the legal reform of the anti-money laundering framework, set up the Financial Intelligence Unit, and was a key player in getting St. Vincent and the Grenadines removed from the FATF money laundering blacklist. Her role as lead negotiator for St. Vincent and the Grenadines at OECD Global Forum Meetings on the Harmful Tax Competition initiative was pivotal in helping to pave the way for a more level playing field in international tax matters. 

Notably, Louise Mitchell also served as founder and the first Secretary of the National Anti-Money Laundering Committee (NAMLC) from June 2002 to January 2007, where she was responsible for setting and managing the committee’s agenda and implementing FATF recommendations for the country.

Her career trajectory includes positions such as Deputy Registrar of the Supreme Court of Adjudicature in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, where she oversaw court proceedings, prepared court lists, and provided crucial support to the judiciary.

Community Work: Beyond her legal and financial endeavors, Louise Mitchell is deeply committed to community work and cultural preservation. She chaired the St. Vincent and the Grenadines National Trust from 2008 to 2015, championing initiatives such as amending the National Trust Act to allow for the declaration of Protected Heritage sites, overseeing heritage site protection including saving the petroglyphs at Argyle, and directing projects related to turtle conservation, historic sites restoration, and international conservation efforts. She also secured the funding from the Finnish Government to restore Fort Duvernette. 

She holds positions of leadership and trusteeship in several organizations, including the St. Vincent and the Grenadines National Trust Heritage Fund, and the Bequia Heritage Foundation, the SVG Swimming Federation among others. Her founding role in The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Environment Fund, her vice presidency in the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Conservation Fund, and her directorship on the Board of Directors of the World Pediatric Project demonstrate her commitment to environmental and healthcare initiatives. She also was the founder of the SVG Sailing Association. 

She served as the Convenor of the prestigious St. Vincent Girls’ High School Graduation Committee 2023. 

In summary, S. Louise Mitchell’s illustrious career reflects her multifaceted contributions to law, finance, and community development, making her a respected figure in both professional and philanthropic spheres. Her dedication to preserving cultural heritage and protecting the environment underscores her commitment to a better future for St. Vincent and the Grenadines and beyond. 

Family Life and Interests

Louise is the mother of a daughter and two sons. 

She speaks French and Spanish.

She loves fitness, hiking, snorkeling, open water swimming, sailing and cycling