PM’s Son And Niece Among New Generation Of UWI Law Graduates
A new generation of lawyers has emerged from The University of the West Indies, including Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s son, Kris Bissessar, who praised his mother’s support as a key factor in his academic success.
For one afternoon, the title of Prime Minister took a back seat to that of mother as Mrs Persad-Bissessar, alongside several Members of Parliament, attended the graduation ceremony of the UWI Faculty of Law on Thursday to witness her son, as well as her niece, Divya Maharaj, receive their law degrees.
Speaking with the media after both received their scrolls at UWI Spec, St Augustine, Mrs Persad-Bissessar said she was proud to see her son follow in her footsteps, noting that they both began their careers in education before pursuing law.
She encouraged graduates to continue pursuing higher education, stressing that education remains the best way to overcome poverty.
Kris Bissessar, who already holds a degree in education, said he chose law for professional reasons and credited his mother for her guidance and support throughout his academic journey.
He described balancing academic demands as his biggest challenge but said he developed an effective approach thanks to her advice.
Meanwhile, valedictorian Karissa Lacaille urged future attorneys not only to focus on what the law permits but also on what justice requires.
« Our region needs engineers who will ask not only will it work, but also will it work safely for the people who depend on it. It needs attorneys who will ask not only what does the law permit, but also what does justice necessitate because while our degrees may open doors, our character will determine what we do once we walk through them. »
More than 100 students graduated on Thursday from the Faculty of Law.
