THE solemn halls of the Victoria Law Courts in Georgetown were filled with emotion and pride, on Thursday, as Fenton Jonathan Budhram was officially admitted to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Judicature, marking the beginning of his career as an Attorney-at-Law.
The petition for Budhram’s admission was presented by Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Senior Counsel Shalimar Ali-Hack, before Acting Chief Justice Navindra Singh, who formally accepted the application and welcomed him to the legal fraternity.
In his address to the court, Budhram’s words reflected deep humility and gratitude, not only for the honour of being admitted but also for the collective strength of family, mentorship, and perseverance that shaped his journey.
Quoting the late American novelist Sidney Sheldon — “Life is like a novel, it’s filled with suspense, you have no idea what is going to happen until you turn the page” — Budhram told the court that every person he encountered along his journey had helped him turn the pages of his own story “with confidence, curiosity and conviction.”
That story, he said, was written around what he fondly described as “the table of determination.” Recalling a defining memory of his teenage years, he painted a picture of his entire family studying together at the dining table, his parents preparing for their University of Guyana examinations, his brother for high school finals, and himself for CSEC. Over time, that table transformed into a powerful symbol of ambition, discipline, and shared purpose.
“I would watch my parents in deep thought and my brother’s youthful determination,” he said. “Together, they ignited in me a sense of determination that still keeps me steadfast on my path.”

FAMILY: THE FOUNDATION OF HIS CALLING
The newly admitted attorney paid heartfelt tribute to his family, each of whom, he said, played an essential role in shaping his life and career.
His father, Deputy Commissioner of Police Ravindradat Budhram, stood as a beacon of integrity and discipline. Fenton recalled one of his most cherished moments being the day he graduated from the University of Guyana alongside his father.
“That moment beautifully represented the spirit of perseverance that has always defined our family,” he shared. “He has taught me that integrity is the foundation of every calling.”
He credited his mother, Laleita Budhram, a teacher by profession, for instilling in him the values of patience and perseverance from childhood, “from the two-times table to the importance of never giving up.”
He also expressed admiration for his younger brother, Joshua, a promising cricketer, to whom he hopes to serve as a role model.
Special thanks were extended to his grandmother, Dorothy Sukhai, affectionately known as “Nanny,” who raised him in his early years and whose “homecooked meals carried with the warmth of the Corentyne countryside.”
He also remembered his late grandfathers, Rajanand Sukhai and Nandlall Budhram, as continuing sources of spiritual guidance.

MENTORSHIP AND PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE
Budhram’s legal journey was marked by strong mentorship from several distinguished figures. He expressed deep appreciation to Mrs. Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC, who not only presented his petition but also served as a mentor during his in-service training at the DPP’s Chambers.
“Madam DPP has bestowed upon me the realities of the criminal justice system,” he said, acknowledging her guidance in matters of law and public service. “I can only hope one day to be as experienced and skilled as you are.”
He also recognised Ms. Lake, Ms. O’Brien, and several others at the DPP’s Chambers for their willingness to help him understand the intricacies of criminal law.
His exposure to the Attorney General’s Chambers, under the leadership of Anil Nandlall, SC, also provided him with invaluable insights into the civil law practice.
He credited Mr. Nigel Hawke and Ms. Shoshana Lall for their guidance during his early experiences in the legal field.
Budhram further expressed gratitude to Dr. Rahaman, Justice (ret’d) Carl Singh, and the leadership of the Guyana Police Force for their “quiet but powerful support” throughout his journey.

DISCIPLINE AND ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Fenton’s academic path is one of consistent achievement. From excelling at St. Margaret’s Primary School and St. Rose’s High, to completing his CAPE studies at The Bishops’ High School, his performance demonstrated both academic excellence and perseverance.

He earned a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) Degree with Distinction from the University of Guyana in 2023 and later pursued his Legal Education Certificate (LEC) at the Hugh Wooding Law School, graduating in October 2025.
During his time at Hugh Wooding, he also served as Secretary of the Hindu Students’ Society and completed ten weeks of in-service training at the DPP’s Office in Guyana.
In a notable chapter of his journey, he served as a police officer in the Guyana Police Force between 2022 and 2023, an experience he said inspired his decision to pursue law.
“At a young age, I saw firsthand the challenges faced by the police and the realities of the justice system,” he reflected. “However, I chose the legal route to play my part in strengthening that system.”

CHIEF JUSTICE’S ADVICE
In brief remarks to the young attorney, Acting Chief Justice Navindra Singh offered practical advice on professionalism, preparation, and humility.
He underscored the importance of understanding the human element behind every case and maintaining diligence in all professional undertakings.
He reminded Budhram that law is both a science and an art, one that demands not only technical skill but also empathy and ethical strength.
The Chief Justice encouraged him to “always be prepared,” to learn from senior practitioners, and to approach each case as a student of justice.

SERVICE AND INTEGRITY
In closing his address, Budhram vowed to serve the legal profession and his country with the same humility and integrity instilled in him from his family and mentors.
“I intend to serve to the best of my ability, with consideration of my overarching duty to this Honourable Court,” he declared. “It would be an honour to serve.”
The admission of Fenton Jonathan Budhram to the Bar is not only a personal triumph but also a story of intergenerational perseverance, discipline, and national pride.
From a dining table that became a classroom of dreams to the courtroom that now bears witness to his first steps as an attorney, his journey stands as an inspiring testament to the power of family, education, and purpose.

As the curtains close on one chapter and open on another, Budhram’s words echo the sentiment of his lifelong philosophy, that every page turned reveals not just a new challenge, but a new opportunity to serve with honour.
Meanwhile, that sense of purpose, humility, and drive to serve is deeply rooted in the values passed down by his father, Deputy Commissioner of Police Ravindradat Budhram, whose own academic journey continues to inspire.
In November 2023, during the University of Guyana’s 60th Convocation, the father and son created history when they graduated together from the Department of Law – a moment both described as a shared celebration of perseverance and purpose.
Reflecting on that milestone, Fenton had said, “Graduating alongside my father is memorable because I was inspired by him when I was about four years old; I saw him graduating from the University of Guyana. It was a shared journey of personal growth that continues to be at the helm of our relationship.”
Deputy Commissioner Budhram, who has served over 30 years in the Guyana Police Force, embodies the spirit of lifelong learning, having earned a Bachelor’s in Public Management, an MBA, and his LLB Degree. He described the experience of graduating with his son as “the greatest gift a father can enjoy.”
“Education is the key to unlocking one’s true potential,” the senior Budhram remarked at the time. “It is a lifelong journey that knows no age limit or boundaries. Every experience and challenge is an opportunity to learn.”
His dedication to both education and leadership continues to serve as an inspiration, not only to his family but to members of the Guyana Police Force and the wider community, reinforcing the message that growth and service go hand in hand.
From the dining table where a young boy first learned the value of perseverance to the courtroom where he now pledges to uphold justice, his journey reflects the unbreakable bond between parent and child, and the belief that education, when shared across generations, can shape not only lives but the nation itself.