THE Guyana Association of Women’s Lawyers (GAWL) which held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) last month at the Hotel Tower elected Ms. Sandra Kurtzious, as its new president.
A release from the organisation said over the past year it engaged in consultations with and attended Select Parliamentary Committees on various pieces of legislation including the Sexual Offences Act, collaboration with the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security on women’s issues, prison visits and partnering with other non-governmental organisations. In addition, a monetary donation was made to the earthquake victims of Haiti, the Annual Dinner and Dance was held along with a Karaoke fundraiser.
After various reports were read and motions passed for their respective adoption, elections were held for office bearers for the new fiscal year 2010-2011.  Elected unanimously were (President) Ms. Sandra Kurtzious, (Vice President) Ms. Emily Dodson, (Secretary) Ms. Sadie Amin, (Treasurer) Ms. Dhanwanti Sukhdeo, (Assistant Secretary/Treasurer) Ms. Kim Kyte-John; and (Committee Members) Ms. Sandra Bart; Ms Jamela Ali, Ms. Faye Barker and Ms. Romona Rookhum.
Incumbent President Ms. Kurtzious was admitted to the bar in 1993 and her particular focus is family law.  From 1999 to 2003 she headed the Legal Aid Clinic and is currently in private practice. She hopes to continue the ongoing work of the GAWL in order to effect significant change.  In thanking the members for placing their confidence once again in her, Ms. Kurtzious said that some of the activities which the association will attempt in the new fiscal year would be to organize a conference for lawyers and facilitate seminars to educate them on various areas.