Kenrick — A Conversation with Kenrick Mark Coleman Features Gavin Courtenay
The Kenrick Mark Coleman Foundation
Kenrick — A Conversation with Kenrick Mark Coleman Features Gavin Courtenay
1. Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m 25 years old, the eldest of two siblings, and I’m currently pursuing my Legal Education Certificate (LEC) at the Norman Manley Law School (NMLS). I earned a Bachelor of Law degree from the University of the West Indies (UWI) and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of William and Mary. Apart from law, I’m passionate about music, particularly classical music. I like socializing, travelling, watching and playing tennis, and learning new things.
2. You are currently enrolled at the Norman Manley Law School pursing your Legal Education Certificate. What do you believe is important in this your role?
As an aspiring lawyer, I’ve come to view the legal profession as extremely important in society. Unfortunately, the legal system can seem somewhat inaccessible, so ideally, the job of an attorney is to ensure people have access to justice, whether it is in their roles as advocates or as advisors. Lawyers also have the responsibility of ensuring that the rule of law is maintained and the legal system works as efficiently as possible.
3. Tell us more about your academic life at University? Why did you choose this particular University? When did you commence studies? What subject areas are focused on? What’s your relationship like with fellow students?
I began studying law in 2012 at the UWI, Cave Hill, like most Belizeans who study law. I chose the institution because it was highly recommended that I learn both the theory and practice of law from a Caribbean perspective, as it would better facilitate my understanding and practice of the law in Belize. Also, because many Belizeans had attended the institution before me, I thought that my chances of academic success would be higher with the strong support system that my fellow Belizeans provided. As far as the NMLS, Belizeans who study law under the UWI system have to obtain the LEC from this institution, save for certain exceptions. At the NMLS we have a set curriculum during our two-year program, and we learn the practical elements of several different fundamental areas of law, such as criminal, family, and civil practice.
I’d describe my relationship with my classmates as very warm. As for other Belizeans, there are only 8 of us in my year, so we are a close and supportive group for the most part. The majority of our other colleagues are Jamaicans, and we have many classmates from different parts of the Caribbean. Despite a few differences in culture I find that everyone mostly gets along, and is eager to learn about each other’s countries.
4. Describe your transformation process from Belize City to Kingston, Jamaica? How is life as a student in Jamaica?
I first left Belize to study when I was 18, and I’ve done a lot of maturing since then. Having the opportunity to travel and attend different schools has broadened my horizons and shaped my views about myself and society in so many unexpected ways. I was also very fortunate in that I was able to pursue the two things that I’m passionate about, so the amount of personal fulfilment I’ve experienced is profound. There’s a lot that I’ve learned that I can’t wait to put into practice at home.
Student life in Jamaica is good at the moment. Having been here for a year already, I think I’ve adjusted to most aspects of life here. Even though I have a lot of Jamaican family, living here has opened my eyes to so much about Jamaican culture that I didn’t know about. As far as academics go, the LEC program is pretty rigorous, but I have an excellent support system that makes it manageable.
5. What are the challenges you had as a student at the Norman Manley Law School? Opportunities?
Well any law student will tell you that the sheer volume of reading that’s required is, to say the least, daunting. At NMLS, Belizeans, like other non-Jamaicans, don’t always have the benefit of consulting the laws, books and practitioners that they may need in order to learn about new topics. As the program at NMLS is intended to be more practical than theory, it sometimes makes it difficult for us, as we don’t have the opportunity to be given immediate guidance in a given area. However, the teaching staff, past students, and lawyers in Belize try their best to accommodate us. The shift from theory to practical in itself has been a challenge, as we practice how to draft and file documents, and we also practice our advocacy skills and take part in exercises such as mock trials. These experiences have made the learning feel much more authentic, but it has been a challenge to traverse new territory.
Since I’ve been at NMLS, there have been several opportunities to join various groups that compete in international academic competitions. Also, because of the more “hands-on” approach of NMLS, we’re given the opportunity to see, first-hand, how the legal system works in Jamaica through several programs such as the legal aid clinic, through which students also perform community outreach.
6. Why is Law important to Belize’s National Development?
Like I mentioned earlier, I think that the legal profession should ensure people’s access to justice and make the legal system work efficiently. Making the system function efficiently is absolutely integral to Belize’s national development because it ensures that we have a society in which people’s rights and freedoms can be protected and maintained.
7. Let’s talk about extra-curricular activities at school. Kindly tell us more. Do you participate in activities in general (not at school) with other Belizeans there? How do you “uphold” Belize’s name sake?
The LEC program doesn’t allow us much time for extra-curricular activities, but I do participate when I am able. For instance, last year when it was NMLS culture week, I helped to prepare some Belizean food for our cultural showcase. The Belizeans who attend UWI in Jamaica also have a very active student organization, and I support those events when I can. When I was at UWI, Cave Hill, I also served as the vice-president of the Belizean student’s association. I try to teach people as much about Belize as possible, both in and outside of school.
8. What are three things you learnt as an International Student studying in Jamaica, which you would like to share with your fellow Belizeans?
1. Question everything — I think one should go through life with an inquisitive mindset. Question and think deeply about everything, even things that seem obvious or sacred (especially the things that seem obvious or sacred). Look at things from a variety of perspectives, and use every opportunity to learn about something new. It may be slightly cliché, but knowledge really does provide power and security.
2. You will be surprised what you can accomplish with focus and dedication. In my view, success mostly has to do with dedication. It’s amazing the amount of support you can find within yourself and from others when you have a goal in mind. In a similar vein, make the most of every opportunity.
3. Another cliché, but I think I’ve really begun to grasp the meaning of the quote, “the only thing to fear is fear itself.” It may be easier said than done, but one should try to think of fears as challenges. If you can get over your fears, not only do you get the personal satisfaction, but you’re also energized to accomplish even greater things.
9. What can Belize expect from Gavin Courtenay in the next 5 years? Why?
That’s hard for me to say, as I’ve found more and more that we have much less control over our futures than we think we do. I can say for sure that I want to start using what I’ve acquired in my years of study to make things better in Belize. Like several of my colleagues, I have a lot of ideas about legal reforms that can be made in Belize so that the system can be more just and accessible in modern society. Therefore, I’d love to be in a position where I’m able to put some of those ideas in motion. I also want to make contributions to the local music scene in any way I can.
10. What three words do you have to say to young Belizeans?
Try. Learn. Grow.
