…23-yr-old described as youngest lawyer in Guyana
DESCRIBED as the youngest graduating student and attorney-at-law in Guyana at present, with a “very distinguished past,” 23-year-old Kiran Aarti Mattai was yesterday admitted to the Bar following the acceptance of a petition by Justice Rishi Persaud. The petition was presented by lawyer and Speaker of the National Assembly, Ralph Ramkarran, in the High Court, with Mattai’s family and friends, other lawyers and government officials in attendance.
The court was told by Ramkarran that Mattai attended Queen’s College, and in 1994 topped the country at the Caribbean Examinations Council Examinations (CXC). She furthered her education at the School of the Nations where she also performed “exceptionally well” and subsequently pursued studies at the University of Guyana.
Ramkarran said Mattai’s ‘love for law’ saw her graduating from the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad.
“I am exactly where I envisioned myself ten years ago, I’m here because of my parents,” Mattai told Justice Persaud in brief remarks.
She pledged not to be complacent and said she has a passion for Family Law. “This has always been my dream,” the young woman said.
Ramkarran observed that Mattai is joining the profession at a challenging time, when new rules, which were already passed by the National Assembly, will be undertaken. He noted it was not easy to acquaint oneself with new rules of practice.
Another challenge is to be found in the size of the judiciary, which Ramkarran said must be expanded from 12 judges to more, so that the court’s backlog could be dealt with. He said he was confident that with the presentation of more lawyers, these challenges will be overcome.
Those witnessing the ceremony included Minister of Labour Manzoor Nadir and Finance Minister Ashni Singh.