Two decades ago, when I commenced University, I chose to study for two (2) degrees simultaneously – so as to respectively follow in the footsteps of my grandparents.
The 1st – a B.Sc. Business Management – as my Grandmother was the 1st UWI-licensed East Indian Female Pharmacist, who completed her studies after having her four (4) children and then went on to open her own Pharmacy and develop it into a multi-million dollar business.
The 2nd – an LLB (Law) – as my Grandfather was called to the Bar at Middle Temple (UK) as a Barrister – after a few years of being a Teacher in Sangre Grande.
Today, after 20 years, I have completed the 2nd.
Over that period, I had many stops-and-starts for various reasons. One was that I had become disillusioned in the law, by observing how unethical attorneys can be – especially in politics. Along with this, I had to study business and commercial law in my other degree anyway.
In the last few years, I picked it back up – encouraged by my human rights social work, and my efforts as a proponent of ESG & Sustainability frameworks with EY Caribbean. I also had given myself a goal to complete it before turning 40!
Gratefully, this field gave me new purpose to pursue the law, for indeed legislation is what frames our lives and will incentivise (carrot and stick) how we protect the world for future generations.
I share this achievement proudly with you and invoke the memory of my Grandparents – now deceased. I remember and thank them, and my new sources of inspiration.
Allow me to offer the introductory paragraphs of my final dissertation:
“My ancestors came to Trinidad & Tobago (T&T) as labourers in both Agriculture, and Oil and Gas. I am a product of their toiling under the sun and on the land, that in part helped to build the economy of T&T, which still depends on the industries that have emerged from these two sectors.
Yet, today, the island is facing limited food security, as well as diminishing returns from petrochemicals – while at the same time contributing to carbon emissions due to traditional farming, and continued extraction of crude oil. Therefore, T&T is part of the very problem that is threatening to destroy our way of life, as that which has historically given us wealth, will impoverish us.
I was raised to respect the environment, assist those who are vulnerable in society, and live by the highest ethical standards. As a result, I have dedicated time to reforestation and recycling projects, invested my skills in building and helping NGOs and CBOs, and ensuring my private and professional dealings are above board – even when no one is watching.
…
T&T, and the Caribbean, will require expertise in ESG and Sustainability law. It is my hope that this dissertation will not only assist me in achieving my own personal goals, but offer deep insights and act as a reference paper for others in society…”