Guyanese law students have once again distinguished themselves at the Hugh Wooding Law School, earning top accolades during the institution’s annual graduation ceremony held last evening.
A total of 200 students from across the Caribbean were conferred with the Legal Education Certificate (LEC) after completing two years of intensive legal training. Among them, Mr. Rodley Mathoo and Ms. Keona Higgins, both hailing from Guyana, emerged as standout performers — together earning five academic prizes.
Ms. Higgins was awarded the Guyana Government Prize for Best Overall Performance by a Student from Guyana, and also received the Book Specialist Prize for Second Outstanding Year II Student, a testament to her academic excellence throughout the programme.
Mr. Mathoo captured three prestigious prizes, including one of four Council of Legal Education (CLE) awards. His achievements were largely attributed to his exemplary work in the Legal Aid Clinic, where students provide pro bono legal services to real-life clients.
His awards included:
- The Council of Legal Education Prize – Most Outstanding Student in the Legal Aid Clinic
- The Marlon Moore Social Justice and Service Memorial Prize – For embodying Marlon Moore’s passion for justice and empathy through outstanding service to Legal Aid clients
- The Miles Greeves Fitzpatrick S.C. Prize – For the Best Performance in Legal Aid by a Guyanese graduating student
In addition to his academic success, Mr. Mathoo served as President of the Guyana Jurisdictional Committee (GJC) — the official student body representing Guyanese students at the Hugh Wooding Law School. In October 2024, he also made history as the first Guyanese student to participate in the Queen Mary University of London Law Exchange Programme.
Mr. Mathoo has already embarked on his legal career and currently serves as State Counsel in the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions in Guyana. His journey, marked by service, scholarship, and leadership, has brought pride and recognition to his home country.
In addition to Mathoo and Higgins, two other Guyanese students also received special honours. Andre Griffith was recognised for outstanding performance in Civil Practice and Procedure, while Lucas Jonas received an award for excellence in Roman Dutch Conveyancing.
The Guyana Jurisdictional Committee extended congratulations to all Guyanese graduates of the Class of 2025, stating:
“The Guyana Jurisdictional Committee warmly congratulates the awardees and the entire Guyanese graduating class of 2025 on their stellar accomplishments and wishes them continued success as they embark on their respective legal careers.”
