By: Antonio Dey | HGP Nightly News |
The journey to success is seldom smooth — it is filled with trials, setbacks, and lessons in perseverance. For two young Guyanese attorneys, Trishona Ainsworth, 25, and Nickesha Daniels, 24, their road to becoming lawyers was defined by determination, sacrifice, and faith.
Both women recently completed their Legal Education Certificate at the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad and Tobago, marking a major milestone in their legal careers.
From Antigua to Attorney – Trishona Ainsworth’s Journey
Born in Guyana and raised in Antigua and Barbuda, Trishona Ainsworth says her passion for law began in childhood.
“I always had empathy for people who lacked the power or knowledge to defend themselves. That’s what drew me to law — a passion for justice and fairness,” she told Nightly News.
Ainsworth shared that her time at Hugh Wooding Law School was both challenging and rewarding, as she worked full-time at a law firm while completing her studies.
“I had rent to pay, living expenses, and coursework deadlines all at once. Balancing work, studies, and personal life was tough, but it taught me discipline, focus, and resilience,” she said.
She credited her family and friends for their unwavering support, noting that their encouragement and faith carried her through difficult times.
“My family always reminded me to trust in God and never give up. Every challenge shaped me into the attorney I am today,” she reflected.
Ainsworth, now pursuing dual master’s degrees — one in Oil and Gas Law at the University of the West Indies and another in International Business and Law at the University of Guyana — hopes to serve as an Oil and Gas Consultant and eventually join the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Her advice to aspiring lawyers:
“Stay passionate, stay grounded in faith, and let God guide every decision.”
Nickesha Daniels – From Setbacks to Success
For Nikesha Daniels, the journey was equally demanding. She revealed that financial constraints and the COVID-19 pandemic made her academic pursuit especially difficult.
“Studying for my law degree during the pandemic forced me to adapt quickly. It was mentally and emotionally draining at times,” she admitted.
Daniels credited her family and close friends for their constant encouragement and emotional strength.
“I’ve always believed that delay is not denial. Every setback prepares us for greatness,” she said.
“I want to thank my amazing friends Samantha Persaud Niles, Brittany Croal, and Eden Corbin — they became my family through every tear and triumph.”
Daniels shared that her late grandfather, Brian Daniels, was her greatest inspiration.
“He always told me, ‘You’re going to be my lawyer granddaughter.’ That prophecy kept me going. Law, to me, is about representing people and seeking justice,” she said.
Looking ahead, Daniels hopes to make a meaningful contribution to Caribbean jurisprudence, advocating for fairness, equity, and justice across the region.
“My success is the fulfilment of faith, hard work, and community spirit. I am humbled, grateful, and ready to serve with purpose,” she affirmed.
