By Avenash Ramzan
With a proclivity to argue from a young age, Joshua Abdool’s parents thought that one day he would fit seamlessly into the legal profession.
That dream of theirs’ became a reality on Wednesday when the young man was admitted to the bar, after his petition was presented by one of the country’s leading legal minds, Senior Counsel Edward Luckhoo.
“I’m ecstatic. It’s the culmination of many, many, many years of study, and it was difficult, but I’m more than pleased [to reach this stage],” a visibly elated Abdool said, moments after taking the oath.
The 27-year-old petition’s was heard in chamber by Justice Diane Insanally, who urged the young man to remain steadfast in the execution of his duties and always uphold the rule of law.
Young Abdool, who was once on the reserve of the national squash team, shared with News Room how he was drawn to the taking up a career in the judiciary.
“I always had an inclination towards English, and my parents noticed that I like to argue, and I kind of let that build and I followed that direction and I found that law is a very logical field, and it appeals to me in that way. So I followed that path- I did well in A levels, in law particularly and I decided I’m going to go down that road,” Joshua explained.
Abdool said the journey through studies at the University of Guyana and the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad and Tobago was by no means easy, but he was determined to conquer and achieve.
“It was not easy at all. In fact, it’s a good message to send to prospective students of law that it’s quite difficult, and you have to want it. Otherwise it’s very difficult to succeed. The study itself is cumbersome; it’s a lot of information and you have to stay on top…once you do, you will succeed,” the young Attorney highlighted.
Family support, Joshua pointed out, played a critical role in him reaching this point, adding that his parents provided an atmosphere where he had no other issues to deal with, but rather focus his attention exclusively on studies.
While Joshua is the first Attorney to emerge from the immediate Abdool clan, the young law practitioner can fall on the vast experience of close relative, the indomitable Sir Sridath Ramphal.
Meanwhile, Joshua’s father, insurance executive Peter Abdool, was understandably proud of his offspring’s achievement at such a tender age.
“Josh has worked long and hard. I think we knew since he was a very small child, based on the fact that he argued about everything, that one day he would be an Attorney,” Peter related.
He added, “I think he has the ethics to allow him to progress in a profession that is in dire need. I think initially he’s going to make start in Trinidad, but I’m really hoping that he comes back home to Guyana and contribute meaningfully, and I think that is going to happen.”
The elder Abdool also had a few words of advice for Joshua, as he embarks on a new journey, one that could define how the Abdools progress into the future.
“I want to see him spread his wings and do as well as he possibly can. As I said I would love to see him being able to contribute meaningfully to Guyana and its development. I think we’re at a stage where people who are in the legal profession and who have good moral and ethical standing are going to be imperative to the development of the country,” Peter Abdool concluded.
