A young woman from Lethem who left home after Grade Six on a Hinterland Scholarship has now been admitted to the Bar of Guyana, with plans to eventually return to Region Nine and open her own law practice.
Rennata A. Nickram, who describes herself as the first lawyer in her family, was admitted to practice law on Friday before Justice Fidela Corbin-Lincoln in Court Room 12 of the Supreme Court of Judicature.
Her petition was presented by Attorney-at-Law Sase Gunraj of Gunraj & Co.
For Nickram, becoming a lawyer is not only a personal achievement but also a step toward giving back to the community where she grew up.
“Coming from Lethem, it is important to me that my professional journey does not disconnect me from my roots,” she said.
“I hope that, as I grow within the profession, I can use my knowledge and experience to serve others and contribute to greater access to legal services within my community.”
Nickram’s journey from Lethem to the Bar began with academic success at the 2015 National Grade Six Assessment, where she topped Region Nine.
That achievement earned her a place at The Bishops’ High School in Georgetown and a Hinterland Scholarship.
Moving from Lethem to Georgetown at that age meant living with a guardian in Lamaha Gardens and adjusting to life away from her family and familiar support system. She returned home during the Christmas, Easter and August holidays.
Despite the transition, Nickram went on to pass all 12 subjects she sat at the 2020 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate examinations.
She subsequently spent a year studying International Relations at the University of Guyana before entering the Bachelor of Laws programme in 2021.
She earned her LLB in 2024 and went on to complete her Legal Education Certificate at the Eugene Dupuch Law School this year.
Her performance at law school also earned her the Colin E. Callender Q.C. Memorial Prize for Best Performing Student in the Commercial and Financial Services Law Clinic.
The award recognised her work in the clinic and her participation in the STEP Bahamas Moot Competition, which her team won under the coaching of McKinney, Bancroft & Hughes.
It was her first time participating in a moot competition.
Nickram said her decision to study law was shaped in part by growing up in Lethem and seeing the importance of access to professional services in hinterland communities.
“I was drawn to a profession that would challenge me intellectually while also giving me the opportunity to assist people, advocate for their interests and contribute positively to my community,” she said.
Her parents, Rubeina Khan-Nickram and Kenrick Nickram, said they were grateful to see their daughter reach the milestone.
“Congratulations to our daughter Rennata on her admission to practice law in Guyana,” they said.
“We give thanks to Almighty God for His grace, strength, and favor throughout her journey to earn her LLB, LEC and now to take the oath as an Attorney-at-Law.”
They also encouraged her to serve her clients and country with “wisdom, honesty, and excellence.”
For young people in Region Nine who may see Georgetown as the only path to professional success, Nickram has a simple message.
“I would tell them to work hard, stay focused and make the most of every opportunity that comes their way. Don’t let where you come from limit what you believe you can achieve,” she said.
Nickram now plans to build her experience in the legal profession, with the longer-term goal of taking that experience back to Lethem and establishing her own practice.
Source: NEW ROOMS SITE
