Jimesha Prince joins legal fraternity

Described by the Prime Minister as one of the “new breed of Caribbean women,” Jimesha Prince is the latest to be welcomed into the legal fraternity, having been admitted to practice law as a barrister and solicitor in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

The call was made on Wednesday,{{more}} October 22, before presiding judge Her Ladyship Esco Henry, with veteran lawyer Stephen Huggins presenting Jimesha’s application. It was then seconded by Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves.

A past student of the Girls’ High School and the SVG Community College, Jimesha said that she was “humbled and honoured” to have been granted the opportunity to become part of SVG’s “prestigious” legal fraternity.

“The journey to this moment took five years of hard work, sleepless nights, a few tears, and tremendous dedication,” she said.

“It is indeed an indescribable feeling to be standing before you today… in a building that I looked at with wonder when I was growing up.”

Speaking with SEARCHLIGHT, the Rivulet resident explained that with her thirst for knowledge, passion to help others and the need for change, it was only natural that she decided to traverse down a legal career path.

“She has a passion for the law,” confirmed PM Gonsalves. “It is a passion grounded in a deep commitment!”

Jimesha successfully completed a Bachelor of Laws degree at the Cave Hill Campus of the University of the West Indies in 2012, then went on to the Hugh Wooding Law School, where she gained her Legal Education Certificate in 2014.

The 24-year-old admitted that whilst her hunger for law increased during her time at UWI Cave Hill, Law School was no walk in the park.

“It saw my first tears while studying,” she recalled. “Course material I had been preparing all year seemed like Greek, days before final exams.”

Jimesha also pointed out that Law School not only tested her time management and determination, but it was also an opportunity for growth and development.

Having successfully cleared this significant milestone, Jimesha said that her immediate plan is to continue her journey toward financial independence.

“I’d really like the opportunity to assist in the development of my country, and the region on a whole, in any way possible and influence others to do the same,” she added.

“I’d like to be exposed to other working opportunities, albeit inside or outside of the traditional legal frameworks. I have a very creative and artistic mind, so, I’d also like to be in a position where I am able to exploit the nexus between my creativity and law.”

Describing Jimesha as being from a “distinguished” family, Huggins said that much will be expected of the young lawyer in her future endeavours.

She is the first child of St Clair “Jimmy” Prince, former director of the Agency for Public Information (APPI), and Naomi Prince, a veteran in the nursing profession.

In addition to thanking her parents, family and friends for their “constant support, encouragement and guidance,” Jimesha also expressed deep gratitude to the Prime Minister, Stephen Huggins, and the Government of SVG.

She further thanked Attorney General Judith Jones-Morgan for allowing her to intern at the Ministry of Legal Affairs; and Queen’s Counsel Andrew Cummings for the practical experience she gained while working at his law firm.

“I now have a duty to the Court, to the client, to the public and to the profession,” she expounded. “I will not fail in the discharge of these duties.

“It is an electrifying time to be a lawyer; our roles are transitioning from the conventional spheres of litigation and advocacy, and our opportunities to impact and shape our region are becoming more and more… I have committed myself to this journey and look forward to the future with much enthusiasm.”