…GDF Captain admitted to the Bar
IT is often said that determination and hard work bring success, and this was proven by newly sworn-in attorney-at-Law, Captain Texine Daw.

Captain Daw, who is an officer of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), was admitted to the bar on Thursday last before Justice Brassington Reynolds. Her petition to practise law was presented by Attorney-at-Law, Mrs. Melissa Yearwood-Stewart in association with the Solicitor General, Mr. Nigel Hawke, at the Demerara High Court.

The 32-year-old, who hails from Mahaica on the East Coast of Demerara, attended the St Stanislaus College where she discovered her interest for law.

“I actually accompanied a colleague of mine to law class and from that one class that I went to, I was intrigued and quickly realised that I was interested in law and I wanted to pursue a career in the area to become an attorney-at-Law.”

The young GDF Captain, during an exclusive interview with this publication, credited her success to her parents and her continuous hard work and determination.

Captain Daw disclosed at the time she wanted to pursue her studies her parents were not able to send her to the University of Guyana because of financial restraints. However, an opportunity presented itself and she joined the force in hopes of being enlisted in one of their programmes to further her studies.

“My parents were not able to send me to the University of Guyana. I saw an advertisement in the newspaper for persons to join the army, you know they usually mention opportunities for you to go to the University, study overseas, so I figured I’d join,” she said, adding, “I started on the Basic Recruit Course and subsequently about six months to a year, I was then given the opportunity to participate on the Standard Officers’ Course.”

Captain Daw had enlisted as a soldier in 2008, but always aspired to become an Officer. She was granted the opportunity and went on to successfully complete the Standard Officers’ Course.

With her eyes still on the prize, Captain Daw began reading for her Bachelor of Laws degree at the University of Guyana in 2015, which she successfully completed and was the recipient of the Pro-Chancellor’s Medal for Best Graduating Law Student in 2018.

Additionally, she acquired her Legal Education Certificate from the Hugh Wooding Law School on September 4, 2020.

‘IT WAS NOT AN EASY ROAD’
While Captain Daw is savoring the sweet joys of her success, she noted that the journey to where she is today was not an easy one, especially being away from her family and three-year-old son during the time of her studies.
The young mother said, “It was not easy; it was difficult but my mother played a big role in assisting me in caring for him [her son] during my time at law school; it was because of her I was not worried.”

She also disclosed that studying, keeping up to date with her work and being a full-time mother all at once were not easy. However, with the help of her family and friends she was able to balance them all and complete her studies.

Captain Daw also credited the training of the GDF for her successes.

“I am equally happy with being a military officer. The values and standards of the GDF have shaped me into the individual I am today. I am grateful for the Guyana Defence Force for the opportunities afforded to me and the discipline and consistency which helped me to persevere throughout my studies,” she said.

When asked what is next for her journey in life, Captain Daw disclosed that she will soon be pursuing her Master of Laws.