Whenever anyone asked her what she wanted to be when she grew up, Jinelle Thomas would tell them that she wanted to be a lawyer.
Looking back now, Thomas, 23, who was admitted to bar at the High Court last Tuesday, said it never occurred to her just how “tedious and grueling” the road to making her dream a reality would be.
“…but I embarked upon this journey, nevertheless, with certainty that it was the path that I was meant to trod,” the new attorney said in her speech at the occasion, which she ended by referencing the motto of her former high school, The Bishops’ High. “I stand before this Honorable Court today as a testament that hard work conquers all; labor omnia vincit.”
Thomas, who graduated from the Hugh Wooding Law School on Saturday, 8 October, was admitted by Acting Chief Justice Roxane George upon a petition by attorney Everton Singh-Lammy.
Thomas noted she was truly honoured to be accepted into the noble profession and pledged to uphold the values and traditions that were set before her every day onward. “I acknowledge the hard work of my predecessors and I vow to serve my country with integrity, humility, and honesty,” she said.
Thomas received a full government scholarship to complete her studies at the Hugh Wooding Law School, which she did all online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Thomas said it was not an easy feat as it was accompanied by many back aches and eye pain from sitting in a chair and staring at a computer screen for four to six hours a day during classes and for hours on end afterward to complete assignments, class tutorials and presentations.
“Not only did online studies cause physical pain but it became mentally overwhelming trying to balance the insurmountable amount of work with the feelings of despair and isolation brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the physical barriers of online schooling, I was blessed with some amazing people who I have had the privilege to call friends,” she said.
In acknowledging her support system, Thomas also admitted that she was blessed to be born into a family that fostered and nurtured all of her interests and especially her interest in the legal profession. She noted that they encouraged her and did everything they humanly could to help her realise my dream.
She singled out her mother, Rayan Thomas, noting that she was likely the happiest woman alive and let her know that she was sharing her achievement with her. “You have supported me without hesitation or question in everything I set my mind to do and I simply do not have enough tongues to express my gratitude for you and the role you have played in my achievements,” she said.
At the same time, Thomas said that while was elated to be stepping into her new role as an attorney, it was also a bittersweet moment as she was unable to share it with her number one cheerleader, her late father, Jude Thomas.
In admitting Thomas, the Chief Justice advised young attorneys that they should be frank with the court even when the authorities are against them, as they have a duty to the court and to their clients—a duty to ensure justice.
“Your duty is to assist the court to do justice,” the Chief Justice said.
Justice George also pointed to punctuality and honesty as being important elements in the legal profession.
She further observed that Thomas had been in a leadership position during her tenure at the law school and this she lauded as she noted that the profession needed positive leadership.
Attorney Singh-Lammy, in presenting Thomas’ petition, spoke of her exemplary work ethic during the period in which she worked in his chambers and indicated that he instilled in her the need to continuously serve the people of Guyana.
