– dreams of one day serving on the Caribbean Court of Justice

FOR Claudius Baird, becoming an attorney is not the destination—it is the first step towards a much bigger dream.
The young legal scholar is preparing to travel to The Bahamas later this year to attend the Eugene Dupuch Law School, where he will complete the professional training required to practise law. However, financial constraints threaten to delay that journey, prompting him to seek public support to help fund his studies.
Baird, who was born in Linden, Region Ten, spent part of his childhood in St Lucia before returning to Guyana on his own to pursue a law degree. His ultimate ambition is to one day serve as a judge at the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), the region’s highest court.
“I want to be a judge, so I’m just passing through the lawyer field for now,” he said.
Outside of academics, Baird describes himself as a devoted Christian who enjoys hiking, swimming, watching movies, acting and debating.
His passion for law, he recalled, was evident from an early age, particularly through his love of debate.
He laughed as he recounted advice from his mother, who once told him: “Claudius, not everything is a debate. Some things you just need to hear and say okay and let it go.”
She later recognised that his argumentative nature would eventually guide him towards a career where questioning and reasoning are essential.
Throughout secondary school, teachers also encouraged his strengths. An English teacher challenged him to write argumentative essays to develop his ability to present logical, well-supported arguments, while studies at the University of Guyana further refined those skills.
Returning to Guyana to pursue his legal education meant leaving his parents behind in St Lucia and making several personal and financial sacrifices.
“You really couldn’t buy everything you’d want to buy because school fees had to be paid,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Baird said he never lost sight of his goal.
He admitted that the transition into university was not always easy, particularly during his second semester when he questioned whether he could continue.
“I could remember thinking, ‘Am I able to continue this?” he recalled.
His parents encouraged him to persevere, reminding him that worthwhile goals require hard work and determination.
“They were like, ‘At the end of the day, you chose it and nothing in life is going to come easy just because you like it. There are certain things that you have to work very hard to achieve.'”
Encouraged by their advice, Baird pressed on and successfully completed his legal studies.
Although he hopes to become a judge, he has developed a keen interest in criminal and company law.
“I love the business aspect and how companies draft different contracts to secure themselves and, by extension, secure others who are coming into business with them,” he said.
His desire to serve on the bench stems from a belief that meaningful change comes through justice.
He believes many of the challenges facing his hometown of Linden and Guyana as a whole require people who are prepared to serve with fairness and integrity.
For now, his immediate focus is reaching The Bahamas to complete the final stage of his legal training.
Baird is appealing to members of the public for assistance through his GoFundMe campaign, “Support Claudius’ Final Step to Becoming a Lawyer,” or through Mobile Money Guyana (MMG) at 684-0845.
Expressing gratitude to those who have already supported him, he said every contribution, whether financial or by sharing his story, brings him closer to achieving his dream.
“I do appreciate their support and it’s not going to be wasted,” Baird said.