From rural upbringing to the local bar, new Berbician Attorney-at-Law

The abundant and ever-flowing waters in the rural area of Kimbia, in the Berbice River, have been mirrored by an individual whose steady flow of greatness has recently resulted in her being called to the local bar as an attorney-at-law.
That person is Janel Lindie-Daly, who has been awarded the Legal Education Certificate at the Eugene Dupuch Law School in The Bahamas in April 2024, and has, of Friday, been admitted to the local bar through perseverance and determination.
Anchored amidst the heavy streams of life, Lindie-Daly, who faced scores of unprecedented situations in her academic pursuits, relayed her journey to acquiring her Legal Certificate during an exclusive interview with Guyana Times.
“My journey started at Kimbia Primary School, and life up the Berbice River was without access to a lot of what we may deem necessary today; but that did not stop me from excelling. My experience at President’s College provided well-rounded learning and prepared me for the difficulties of adulthood. I learned to look beyond one’s appearance,” she divulged.

Fast forwarding through the years of many obstacles, she revealed that her interest in the field of law grew, but upon completing her law degree in Guyana, she had felt a slight urge to change her field of study. However, support came from her cousin, who inspired her to stay the course.
“After studying Bachelor of Laws at the University of Guyana, I was ready for a change of career, and at that point I was ready to give up. However, my cousin Cathy Thomas-Ronan encouraged me to keep pursuing my dreams by furthering my studies in England,” she disclosed.
“Being an international student in England, with no connection to persons within the legal field, made this experience even more difficult; but, with many prayers, I persevered over the years.”
She had a distinct focus on becoming a solicitor, but had not known that the switch to studying in England would have brought its fair share of heavy turbulence. She had not known that the feeling of tears running down her face would become a constant one.
“I was focused on becoming a solicitor, but that was not an easy pursuit. Having returned home as a law graduate but not a qualified solicitor, it caused me a lot of tears, loss of sleep, and disappointment; because it meant that I was not eligible for the transitional programme to qualify as an attorney-at-law in the Commonwealth Caribbean,” she explained.
Although the spirit of stagnation tried to overcome this young, law-driven woman, she revealed that a swift turn came when she went to Trinidad to study, where she received first-hand training from professionals.
“However, I moved to Trinidad and Tobago with a plan of spending six months to qualify as an attorney-at-law there, but that time extended to four years, for which I am extremely grateful. I am thankful to Mr. Devesh Maharaj and his associates for their training, guidance, and mentorship as a trainee and later as an associate at his firm. My fellow trainees, Jerry-Lee David and Wendell Louis, also played pivotal roles,” she disclosed.
Meanwhile, a part of her multifaceted journey that many were unaware of was her return to Guyana to work within the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA). Driven by the desire to continue studying, she simultaneously committed to pursuing her Legal Education Certificate (LEC) programme, putting her life into her books while working.
However, while dedicating her entire life to her studies, she also had to dedicate her life to her newborn baby, who was born two days after she had signed up for the LEC programme. The baby had to be breastfed through classes, which extended the study process, as she had to go on maternity leave. No one could have imagined that one woman would have had to face all of this during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Upon returning to Guyana, I was grateful for the opportunity to join the Central Housing and Planning Authority, and I am thankful for the guidance of Ms. Hannifah Jordan, who helped me.
Since I started the programme two days after giving birth to my bundle of joy, Liora Daly, managing studies with a newborn felt like a punishment, but I am grateful for that very unique experience,” she explained.
She disclosed that, had the six-month programme at Eugene Dupuch Law School not been offered online, she definitely would not have been able to complete the LEC; and she mentioned, “I still chuckle at the days I furtively breastfed her during class, or fought to put her to sleep just to be able to participate.”
Following the end of her maternity period and the scores of battles that came with studying, she graduated on August 9, 2024, and is
today humbled by God’s goodness towards her. She disclosed that she continues to ask for God’s guidance as she continues her legal career.
For this journey, which had its various attendant hurdles, she owes most of her gratitude to her very supportive, patient, and understanding husband Kemptorne Daly, who had counselled and motivated her in times when she wanted to give up. She has also expressed deep gratitude to
her parents, Wilton and Joycelyn Lindie, who had each served a pivotal role in her support system.
“Dad, your mere presence makes a difference; and Mom, you have been my rock and the one to push me to achieve beyond my expectations. Though Jermaine could not be here, I thank him still for being a supportive and encouraging big brother who has aided this journey every step of the way,” she expressed. (G2)