At just 24, Tyria Crum-Ewing, from Region 3, has reached a major milestone in her legal career, earning admission to practice law in the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. Her journey, marked by academic excellence, financial challenges, and unwavering faith, shows the power of perseverance and the importance of believing in one’s potential, even when others doubt.
On Monday, October 12, 2026, Crum-Ewing was admitted to practice before the courts of Guyana. Attorneys-at-law Mrs Kara Duff and Mr Patrice Henry presented her petition, and the Honorable Justice Joy Persaud-Singh granted it, marking the culmination of years of dedication to her legal education.
For Crum-Ewing, however, the achievement represents far more than completing an academic journey. It is the fulfillment of a dream that survived uncertainty, sacrifice and the opinions of others.
“I was often told that I was too quiet to pursue a career in law,” she recalled, explaining that those words sometimes caused her to question her abilities and the dream she carried.
“However, this journey taught me a powerful lesson: the opinions of others do not define our potential, nor can they limit what God can accomplish through us.”
A foundation built on academic excellence
Crum-Ewing’s educational journey began at Leonora Nursery School before she progressed to Leonora Primary School. Following the National Grade Six Assessment, she secured a place at Zeeburg Secondary School, where she distinguished herself academically.
In 2018, she completed her secondary education, earning nine subjects in the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) examinations. She also graduated as one of the school’s best principle of Business students, reflecting her commitment to academic excellence.
She subsequently attended The Bishops’ High School, where she pursued the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) program and earned ten passes in the humanities.
Her desire to pursue law was driven by a passion for service and a desire to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. She developed an appreciation for justice, problem-solving and the role legal professionals play in helping individuals navigate difficult circumstances.
“I developed an aspiration to pursue a career where I can use my skills to make a positive difference,” she explained. “My interest in law grew from an appreciation for justice, problem-solving, and helping people navigate difficult situations.”
With this goal in mind, Crum-Ewing enrolled at the University of Guyana, where she pursued an undergraduate degree in legal studies. Beyond her formal studies, she expanded her knowledge through Coursera certificates in Social Work Practice from the University of Michigan and Positive Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
After completing her Bachelor of Laws (LLB), she moved to the Bahamas to continue her professional legal training at the Eugene Dupuch Law School. In September 2026, she received her legal education certificate, bringing her one step closer to practicing law in Guyana.
Overcoming financial hardship through faith and support
While her academic achievements tell a story of determination, Crum-Ewing’s journey was not without significant challenges. Financial hardship was among the most difficult obstacles she faced while pursuing her legal education.
Meeting the costs of tuition, accommodation, food, and other living expenses required sacrifice, particularly from her parents, Charmin and Orvin Crum-Ewing, whose support helped her remain focused on her studies.
“Through the sacrifices of my parents, I was able to meet my tuition, rent, and food expenses,” she said.
She also recalled receiving unexpected assistance from people outside her immediate circle, including strangers who helped with transportation, food, and other living expenses.
For Crum-Ewing, these experiences reinforced her belief that success is rarely achieved alone. Others’ generosity, coupled with her family’s sacrifices, helped her navigate difficult seasons and keep working toward her goal.
She credits her parents as the primary sources of support throughout her journey, describing their sacrifices, prayers and unwavering encouragement as the foundation of her achievements.
She also expressed gratitude to individuals who became parental figures and offered advice, prayers and assistance at different stages of her life. Her lecturers, colleagues, church family, siblings, relatives and close friends all played important roles in encouraging her to persevere.
Above all, she attributes her strength to her Christian faith.
“Throughout my journey, He has been my firm foundation, my sustainer, my provider, and my strength,” she said, reflecting on her relationship with Jesus Christ.
She believes that her faith helped her remain steadfast during moments of uncertainty and reminded her that her circumstances did not have to determine her future.
An award that affirmed her commitment to law
Among the moments Crum-Ewing treasures most from her time at law school was receiving the 2025 Late Kelphene Cunningham Award and scholarship for Outstanding Alternative Dispute Resolution Student during her first year.
The recognition was a significant milestone in her legal education, acknowledging her performance in an area of law that focuses on resolving disputes through methods such as negotiation, mediation and arbitration.
The award also provided an opportunity for further professional development. In November 2026, she intends to pursue additional studies with the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, building on the scholarship awarded alongside the Late Kelphene Cunningham Prize.
Her plans reflect a commitment to continuous learning and the development of specialised knowledge that can strengthen her contribution to the legal profession.
Looking beyond Guyana’s borders
Having achieved her immediate goal of being called to the Bar in Guyana, Crum-Ewing is setting her sights on further professional growth across the Caribbean.
She aspires to be called to the Bars of other Caribbean jurisdictions, an ambition that would allow her to broaden her legal knowledge, gain experience in different legal systems and contribute to the development of the profession throughout the region.
Yet, beyond professional advancement, she remains focused on the responsibility that comes with being an attorney-at-law.
Crum-Ewing hopes to use her legal training to promote justice, protect individual rights and help create a society in which access to justice is not determined by a person’s circumstances.
“My journey has taught me the value of perseverance, opportunity, and service,” she said.
“I aspire to use my legal training to promote justice, protect individual rights, and help build a fairer society where everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has access to justice.”
Her vision reflects the motivation that first drew her to law: the opportunity to use her knowledge and skills in service of others.
A message for those who dare to dream
For young people considering a career in law, Crum-Ewing’s experience reminds us that the path to success may not always be straightforward. Financial challenges, self-doubt and discouraging opinions can make the journey difficult, but they do not have to dictate its outcome.
Her experience of being told she was too quiet to become a lawyer is now part of the story she shares with others. Rather than letting those words define her, she kept pursuing her ambition and ultimately achieved her goal.
“Today, I stand here grateful not because the journey was easy, but because, by God’s grace, I made it through,” she said.
She encouraged aspiring lawyers and other young people to stay committed to their dreams, especially during difficult seasons, and to trust that temporary setbacks don’t make their goals unattainable.
“Keep going, trust God’s purpose for your life, and remember that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you,” she urged, referencing Philippians 4:13.
At 24, Crum-Ewing’s admission to the Bar marks the start of a new chapter, not the end of her journey. With further studies, regional ambitions, and a commitment to justice ahead, she hopes to keep growing as a legal professional while making a meaningful contribution to Guyana and the wider Caribbean.
Her story is ultimately one of faith over fear, perseverance over discouragement and purpose beyond personal achievement—a reminder that being underestimated does not mean being incapable and that the quiet pursuit of a dream can lead to extraordinary milestones.
