Judge Alban Niles

Scholarship

Judge Alban I. Niles (1933–2022) was a trailblazing jurist, accountant, and diplomat who dedicated his life to public service, both in the United States and his home country of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG). Within the Central Florida community, he is perhaps most revered as the namesake of the SVGCFO Judge Alban Niles Scholarship Fund, which supports Vincentian students in their pursuit of higher education.

Early Life and Education

Born in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Alban Niles emigrated to the United States at the age of 16 to join his father in New York City. His journey was defined by a relentless drive for education and professional excellence:

  • Military Service: He served in the U.S. Air Force, where he trained as a dental technician and began his college coursework.

  • Academic Achievement: After his discharge in 1955, he moved to Los Angeles and attended UCLA, earning both his undergraduate degree and his Juris Doctor (law degree) in 1963.

  • A Man of Many Talents: Before entering the legal world, he became a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and was one of the first Black accountants to work for a "Big Eight" firm (Ernst & Ernst) in Los Angeles.

A Distinguished Legal Career

Judge Niles’ legal career in California spanned four decades, marked by several historic "firsts":

  • The Bench: In 1982, he was appointed to the Los Angeles Municipal Court by Governor Jerry Brown.

  • Leadership: He was elected by his peers as the Presiding Judge of the Los Angeles Municipal Court (1994–1995), where he navigated the complex administrative unification of the trial courts.

  • Superior Court: He later served as a Judge of the Los Angeles County Superior Court until his retirement in 2002.

Diplomatic and Community Legacy

Upon retiring from the bench, Judge Niles moved to Central Florida (Groveland), but his "retirement" was anything but quiet. He shifted his focus to supporting the Vincentian diaspora and strengthening ties between the U.S. and SVG.

Honorary Consul

He served as the Honorary Consul for St. Vincent and the Grenadines, representing the nation's interests across Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. In this role, he was a vital link for Vincentians needing consular services and a passionate advocate for humanitarian initiatives, such as promoting dialysis services in SVG.

The SVGCFO Scholarship

His commitment to the next generation led to the establishment of the Judge Alban Niles Scholarship Fund through the SVGCFO. The fund provides financial assistance to students of Vincentian descent, embodying his belief that education is the ultimate tool for social mobility and community empowerment.

Scholarship Awardees

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    Ciara Weekes

    Ciara Weekes is a fourteen year old student from Belair village. She attends West St. George Secondary School. As a recipient of our scholarship program she received transportation fees, paid school lunches, and exam fees. The family has also been supported thanks to the organization. We wish them luck in future endeavors.

    Ciara’s application and grades were received and vetted by the Education Committee [Ms. Raquel Da Silva, Mr. Horace Willaims and Honestine Phillips. Ciara and her guardians collected funds via Jeannie Ollivierre at Marion House.

  • Three men standing outdoors on grass, shaking hands, with a blue tent and trees in the background. One man is wearing a white outfit and cap, the second man is in a black T-shirt and beige shorts, and the third is in a gray T-shirt and light blue shorts.

    Jonathan Daniel

    Jonathan Daniel grew up in St. Vincent and the Grenadines until the age of 18. He immigrated to the United States in 2012 to further his education in Dental Medicine. He is now a General Dentist practicing in Winter Haven, Florida. Jonathan enjoys being a member of the SVGCFO because he likes to help the less fortunate.

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    Justin Macmillan

    Justin Macmillan is a 19 year old student from Mount Grennan. He has persevered despite losing his Grandfather, his sole provider. Justin has managed to complete secondary school and with the help of our scholarship program is now attending the SSDA program, the Georgetown branch and is thriving in the Construction Program. The organization was able to assist him with the purchase of the necessary tools as well as a stipend for necessities as he works toward completion. We wish him luck.

  • An older man and a younger man shaking hands during a card handover in front of a yellow flag with a green emblem, outdoors with trees and grass.