Overcoming challenges to accomplish goals is not an easy task, and newly appointed attorney-at-law Delicia Helwig knows this too well
October 10, 2013 was an emotional day for 23-year-old Delicia Helwig when she presented her petition to the Guyana Bar Association; delivered by Senior Counsel Edward Luckhoo and received by Madame Justice Dawn Gregory.
During the ceremony, Delicia tearfully spoke of the difficulties she faced in the long journey to realise her dreams of becoming a lawyer.
Speaking in an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, the young attorney revealed that since the age of 8, she had dreamed of becoming a lawyer.
“As a child, my parents would forever complain that I was too argumentative and showed too much opposition to their rebuke. I distinctly remember my nursery school teacher lamenting, “Wow, this girl must become a lawyer. Even if she gets married let her keep her name as I’ll be looking for it in years to come. She must be a lawyer.” To say the least, I was in full agreement with my parents and teachers on my career choice. Often I would secretly throw on my mother’s dark curtains and pretend to be an advocate representing a little old lady or a troubled child in a court of law. I knew that I had it in me; I knew that becoming an attorney was my dream,” she recalled.
Delicia attended Mae’s Primary before obtaining a place at Bishops’ High School in 2001. She attained 10 subjects, inclusive of 5 distinctions, at CSEC then moved to the University of Guyana for one year of International Relations and one year of the preparatory law programme, before moving on to read for her law degree (LLB) in 2008.
In 2011, she graduated with credit from the LLB programme, and her next two years were spent in Trinidad and Tobago at the Hugh Wooding Law School (HWLS) where she earned her Legal Education Certificate and was placed on the Principal’s Roll of Honour.
During her stint at HWLS, she was the recipient of the Phelps & Co Prize for Best Performance in Civil Practice and Procedure I; the Robert Mathieu Sellier Memorial Prize for Best performance in Trial Advocacy; the Principal’s Award for Advocacy and the Cameron & Shepherd Prize for Best Performance in Civil Procedure and Practice I and Civil Procedure and Practice II by a Guyanese student.
“Undeniably, I’m most interested in criminal law although I’ve captured the civil prizes. Besides the theatrics, I believe that the criminal practice would allow me to effect change in society as a whole since crime is everyone’s business, as opposed to contract or land law which exists between private individuals. Nonetheless, I have a penchant for family law, probate practice, conveyancing and personal injuries, and could definitely see myself involved in these areas in later years,” she noted.
One of her main challenges was finances.
“I think this one was more of my father’s challenge, but it became mine because I often worry about all the money that he had to muster in order to make my dream a reality; he never left me undone, never. I am indeed lucky to have parents who sacrificed their own wellbeing and comforts to put me through school. I must acknowledge the contribution of my parents, siblings, close relatives, lecturers and friends. No one succeeds without the help of others, and I thank each and every one who has helped me to get to where I am today,” she disclosed.
In outlining what she intends to contribute to the legal system in Guyana, the lawyer stated that the core of the legal profession’s role is client service. She referred to her Legal Aid tutor who told her that whether she is representing a multinational corporate client or working on a legal aid brief to help an abused woman, the fundamental purpose of the legal professional is to help others resolve their legal problems.
In this vein, Delicia plans to be as prepared and as thorough as she can in the preparation and execution of her clients’ case so as to provide impeccable legal service. This, she believes, would improve the overall quality of service provided by the legal profession as a whole.
“Secondly, I am of the opinion that the legal profession is in dire need of the confidence of the community, and so I wish to aid in resolving the disrepute that surrounds the practice of law by the very way that I would conduct my practice. Often we hear people say, “Lawyers are dishonest; all they care about is your money.” Although some persons make these comments without good reason, others have just cause for saying same – be it a personal experience with an attorney or otherwise.
Therefore I intend to conduct myself in a way which befits the noble profession; that is, not only to be thorough in my work but also to possess a demeanour of integrity and honesty, even do some pro bono work from time to time; all with the aim of restoring the confidence of the people in the legal profession. I certainly do believe that change can begin with one person, others will eventually be encouraged to follow suit,” a confident Delicia pointed out.
Delicia has many athletic achievements under her belt. In sports, she was a member of the Guyana National Swimming team from 1997-2005. She represented Guyana at events such as the Goodwill Swimming Championships and other regional championships. She is also a former member of the National School of Dance and current member of the National Dance Company. Delicia represented Guyana at CARIFESTA X in 2008. Notably, she is a holder of a SHO (1st) Dan black belt in Shotokan karate from the Japan Karate Association.
Additionally, she placed third runner-up in the Mother and Daughter 2009 pageant (senior category) and graced the stage at the Guyana Fashion Weekend for three consecutive years (2008-2010).
Her other interests include humanitarian work with charitable organisations, and active involvement in youth empowerment. She was part of the Guybernet youth group and past member of the Anglican Diocese youth group.
Delicia is currently working in chambers as a junior attorney, but it is her fervent desire to work as state prosecutor, move on to become director of public prosecutions and then to serve as a judge. Her ultimate plan is to open a law firm, Helwig and Associates.
“I was invited to speak to young adults at the Mahaica Children’s Home, and I told them, as I would tell any youth, whether they want to become a lawyer or something else, to chase their dreams, stay focused, remain humble and keep God at the centre of their existence. Never let anyone tell you that you can’t. If you want something and you want it bad enough then you can, and no one has the right to stop you.” (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)
