The annual Bar Dinner, held on Saturday at the Marriott Hotel in Georgetown, was a momentous occasion for the Bar Association of Guyana.
This year’s event, attended by legal professionals, members of the judiciary, and distinguished guests, was an opportunity for Kamal Ramkarran, the Association’s president, to reflect on the transformative journey the Bar has undergone since 2017.
Under his leadership, and those who came before him, including Pauline Chase and Teni Housty, the Bar Association has moved from a period of silence and inactivity to a more engaged, proactive, and responsive organization that has redefined its role in supporting both the legal community and the public.
In his remarks, Ramkarran highlighted the importance of unity within the legal profession, describing the Bar Association as a “fraternity” akin to a family.
He emphasized that, like any family, the strength of the Bar Association lies in its ability to come together, share experiences, and address challenges collectively.
Ramkarran did not shy away from acknowledging the challenges the Bar Association faced before 2017 and spanning as far back as the 1990s. He candidly spoke about a time when the Association was largely silent on important issues, contributing little to the dialogue surrounding the country’s legal landscape.
For many years, members of the legal profession, including Ramkarran himself, were critical of the Bar for its perceived lack of effectiveness and engagement.
However, that changed dramatically in May 2017, when a group of lawyers, including Senior Counsel Robin Toby, came together to “take over” the Bar Association.
The group sought to revitalize the Bar Association, shifting it from a passive entity to an active advocate for both lawyers and the rule of law.
Ramkarran reflected on the early stages of this transformation, sharing a conversation with Sir Dennis Byron, former President of the Caribbean Court of Justice, who challenged him to take action rather than merely complain.
This prompted a shift in mindset, leading to the group’s decision to step up and make a change. Ramkarran’s leadership currently has been marked by an unwavering commitment to reform and advocacy.
A key aspect of the Bar Association’s rebranding has been its proactive engagement with both the judiciary and the government. Ramkarran spoke of the regular meetings with the judiciary, including the Chancellor, Chief Justice, and the registrars of the Supreme Court, to address issues affecting legal practitioners.
These discussions have been frank and productive, he said, with concerns raised by the Bar being taken seriously and often acted upon.
One notable example of the Bar’s advocacy was its involvement in challenging an unlawful decision by the Georgetown City Council, which had been charging a percentage of a property’s value for the issuance of a certificate confirming that rates and taxes had been paid.
The Bar Association successfully brought public interest litigation on the matter, and the policy was overturned. This case was just one example of the Bar Association’s growing role in protecting not only the interests of lawyers but also the rights of the public.
Ramkarran also emphasized the Association’s role in examining and commenting on new legislation, highlighting the importance of ensuring that laws passed by the government align with the principles of justice and fairness.
The Bar’s Legislative Committee has become an essential forum for scrutinizing proposed laws and ensuring that the voice of the legal community is heard in the legislative process.
The Bar Association has also become a vocal advocate for human rights. Ramkarran recalled the Bar’s public protest against the detention of a fellow lawyer by the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU), noting that the Bar’s involvement in such matters sends a strong message that the legal profession will not stand by when its members are unjustly targeted.
Another key area where the Bar has stepped up its role is in providing a platform for dialogue among lawyers, regardless of whether they are members of the Association.
Ramkarran stressed the importance of inclusivity, ensuring that all legal professionals are part of the ongoing conversation about the profession’s future. Whether it’s through special meetings or informal gatherings, the Bar has worked to create spaces for members to share experiences, concerns, and solutions.
Ramkarran also focused on the importance of engaging young lawyers, 41 of them admitted to the Bar in the last two months.
He acknowledged that the Bar Association’s previous failure to connect with young professionals had been a shortcoming. However, through personal outreach efforts, Ramkarran and his team have worked tirelessly to invite young lawyers into the fold, encouraging them to take an active role in the Association’s activities.
Ramkarran also spoke to the challenges that women face in the legal profession. Despite the increasing number of women entering the field, he noted that women still face significant hurdles in achieving success.
He highlighted the accomplishments of female legal professionals, such as Chancellor Cummings-Edwards and Chief Justice Roxane George, and expressed admiration for their ability to overcome obstacles and achieve greatness in a male-dominated profession.
As the evening concluded, the words of the Bar president resonated with many: “We must meet often and talk often. Share our stories. We are a family. And together, we will make a difference.”
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