WANDA Samantha Fortune has been appointed magistrate by the Judicial Service Commission with effect March 1.

She is expected to preside over the Mahaica and Mahaicony Magistrates Courts. Young, vibrant, confident and talented, the 30-year-old nurtured her dream of becoming a lawyer while growing up in Sophia, Greater Georgetown.

She graduated from the International Business College (IBC), formerly located in Thomas Street, North Cummingsburg, as the most outstanding student at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations.

Fortune then began attending sixth form at St. Stanislaus College in September 2004, where she obtained passes in Law Units I and II, Sociology Units I and II, History Units I and II, Caribbean Studies and English Literature. Pressing on, she made her way to UG in September 2006, where she graduated with credit while obtaining her Bachelor of Laws (LLB) Degree, the first professional degree in law.

Fortune served as a member of the President’s Youth Award (PYARG) programme; as the Administrative Assistant for the UNAG Peace Project during April and September 2010; volunteered at the Guyana Legal Aid Clinic for over two years while she was studying at the University of Guyana; and was a Liaison Officer for the St. Lucian Delegation at CARIFESTA.

She briefly worked with now Attorney General Basil Williams, through whom she learned of court proceedings, the filing and servicing of documents, and the procedures connected therewith. She also had the opportunity to attend court to observe the law in action.

In early October 2012, Fortune, having graduated from the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad, was admitted to practise at the Guyana Bar in the presence of proud relatives and friends.