The Guyana Association of Women Lawyers (GAWL) is celebrating 30 years as an organisation. It has over the years embrace the motto of ”Women Supporting Justice and Equality”.
Accordingly, the Association has embarked on a series of activities to highlight its successes through the years and also to engage the citizenry in outreach activities.
Moreover, on June 24 last, the GAWL held a gala dinner and presentation of awards at the Grand Coastal Inn, Le Ressouvenir, East Coast Demerara. The attendance at this event comprised a broad mix of approximately 80 female attorneys- at-law ranging from the newly – admitted to the Bar, to those at the middle and senior Bar, and the some female members of the Bench.
Current and Past Presidents of the Guyana Association of Women Lawyers.
The Association had the distinct honour to have at this dinner as the keynote speaker, Madam Justice Desiree Bernard (former Chancellor of the Judiciary of Guyana and retired Judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice) who, in her witty presentation, shared important history of the GAWL and on women at the Bar and Bench in much earlier years. She also shared experiences and exhorted all of the female attorneys – at – law to continue to pursue scholarship at the Bar or in whatever sphere of the practice of law they chose.
Recognition was formally given to the recent national awards and accolades bestowed on Madam Justices Yonette Cummings – Edwards, Chancellor (acting) of the Judiciary and Madam Justice Roxane George, Chief Justice (acting) , respectively.
Also honoured were those justices and female attorneys- at – law who were promoted over the past five years to the Appellate Court, High Court Bench and as Commissioners of Title.
An enjoyable time of socialization and reminiscing was had by all those present.
Over the coming weeks members of the public are invited to view a special programme on television, which will also be aired on radio, on the National Communications Network. Featured on this programme entitled “GAWL – 30 years”, is the Guyana Association of Women Lawyers’ Charter and founding President, Justice Desiree Bernard who is joined by an eminent panel including recently elected President of the GAWL, Ms. Ramona Rookhum.
Other activities planned to observe the 30 anniversary during the coming months include health and law fair, essay competition, blood drive, moot court and a retreat.
In the ensuing months, the GAWL will keep you updated on other activities as it continues to celebrate 30 years of upholding its motto of ”Women Supporting Justice and Equality”.