Darin Chan, who hails from Mabaruma in Region One, has overcome personal and academic challenges to become an attorney at law.
Darin Chan (centre) flanked by Acting Chief Justice Roxane (left) and the Director of Public Prosecutions, Shalimar Ali-Hack, S.C (right).
During his admission to the local bar on October 16, 2024, Chan stood before Acting Chief Justice Roxane George and shared his bumpy ride to becoming an attorney.
A JOURNEY OF FAITH AND PERSEVERANCE
During his admission call, the Region One native detailed how the journey towards becoming an attorney was far from easy.
He recalled how setbacks and obstacles – both personal and academic – almost derailed his dreams.
After graduating from Bishops’ High School in 2018, Chan was initially denied admission to pursue law at the University of Guyana (UG). This was owing to an error on his application.
While this was a major blow to him, he remained steadfast. He enrolled in International Relations and faced even more adversity when a car accident left him requiring corrective surgery and extensive recovery.
Yet, through it all, Chan’s resilience never wavered. In a twist of fate, while still recovering from his injury, he received a scholarship from the National Toshaos Council (NTC), which would fund his legal studies.
Some may call it luck, but I say it’s God’s favour.
His struggles did not end there. In 2022, with his family unable to afford the costs of attending the prestigious Hugh Wooding Law School, Chan once again found himself faced with financial barriers.
But he noted that his unwavering belief that God would provide kept him hopeful. After months of persistence and with support from the NTC and local government, he was awarded a scholarship that enabled him to attend law school.
A DEDICATION TO FAMILY AND FAITH
The newly minted attorney took a moment to reflect on the incredible support of his wife, Casandra Amelia Chan, who stood by him through thick and thin.
He shared that they married during his first year of law school, and when Casandra became pregnant during his second year, his academic commitments kept him away.
Yet, through all of it, Casandra’s faith in him never faltered. His petition to the local bar was presented by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Shalimar Ali-Hack, S.C.
He also thanked his parents, Celia and Aubrey Chan, whose sacrifices had shaped his future.
In 2006, they relocated from Mabaruma to Georgetown to provide their children with a better education.
With gratitude, Chan acknowledged the support of his siblings, grandparents, and in-laws, recognising the love and encouragement that had always been there for him, no matter the obstacles he faced.
A PROMISE TO SERVE WITH INTEGRITY
As Chan concluded his speech, he vowed to serve the people of Guyana with the highest standards of integrity.
I promise to always defend the Constitution and the rights enshrined therein. I will protect the rule of law and act with honesty, integrity, and humility in all my endeavours.
