THE months of uncertainty and isolation at the Cave Hill, Barbados campus of The University of the West Indies during a wave of regional border closures brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic was the mother of all trials for Jamaican law student Kallicia Nelson, but that experience proved the mettle of the Ardenne High alumna who last Tuesday was among the over 80 students called to the Bar.

For Nelson the motto of her family, “Never give up”, incarnated during that test was the defining moment of the now-ended five-year journey which she classifies as “challenging but worthwhile”.

“The initial COVID lockdown was frightening as it came in the last semester of my undergraduate degree while in Barbados and I spent a few months alone where I was boarding, studying virtually, with very limited contact with the outside world except for those daily calls home,” Nelson told the Jamaica Observer following the ceremony.

“That experience pulled on every fibre of my being to keep sane and focused, and I thank God for that experience as it helped prepared me for the transition to the full virtual programme at Norman Manley in September 2020,” shared Nelson, who was called by Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Jeremy Taylor, King’s Counsel.

The first in her family to enter the legal profession, Nelson views the field as the ‘motherboard’ for all her interests.

“Upon leaving high school I was faced with the decision of what would be my next move. Law was not the first to cross my mind as I had an interest in other areas of study such as psychology, sociology and criminology. I quickly came to realise that law touches on every facet of life. As a result, I found if I chose law I would be able to interact with other areas in which I had interest. Also, I found whether or not I chose to practise as an attorney I would have gained an educational exposure that could be applied broadly,” she told the Observer.

Nelson, the second of two children for her parents who described Tuesday’s exercise as “surreal”, is still coming to terms with the significance of the moment which marked her admission to practise law in this jurisdiction.

“As a student I hoped the five years of study would culminate in this moment, however to have it happen was humbling and fulfilling. I am very humbled to be accepted in this noble profession which has a rich history of preserving the moral sanctity that regulates society. As a young attorney I am mindful that there is still a lot to learn, and it’s my intention to be patient and attentive to the guidance of my learned senior colleagues as I seek to make my contribution,” she said.

Nelson, who said she is passionate about several areas including employment and family law, said she remains open to opportunities as she seeks to progress in her career.

In the meantime she had words of gratitude for her family, church and friends who supported her journey as well as newfound colleagues from the programme who she said, “reinforced [for her] the beauty of the human spirit”.

Class valedictorian Sayeed Bernard, replying on behalf of his colleagues, said many had found “peace and refuge through prayer” over the years of study.

In pledging to be “civil always and shun every criminal intent” he said, “never lose sight of your goals; walk with pride, zeal, honour and integrity as we continue to raise the bar of this noble profession”.

Attorney Emile Leiba, speaking on behalf of Jamaican Bar Association President Alexander Williams, said it was hoped that the newly minted attorneys would add their voices to that of the other 3,000 practising advocates in the island.

And chair of the General Legal Council (GLC) Denise Kitson, in her remarks, said, “Each one of you has laboured long and hard, no doubt with the unstinting support of your family, and today you have achieved your goal. Let me urge you, let me admonish you on behalf of the GLC that from this day forward, in every aspect of your personal and professional life, that you always remember the words of the oath you have taken. Ensure that you truly [conduct] yourselves in the office of an attorney. Let your word be your bond; let honesty be the hallmark of your actions.”