St. Augustine Legal Affairs (STALA) Issue 1 | Page 32

Antonio Emmanuel
participation from both students and the administration. For some unfortunate reason, many Trinidadians have this view that foreign entities are superior resulting in the lack of support in that which is local. I believe that when we as Trinidadians recognise that we have the competence to produce anything of high standards, our opportunities and success would be endless. I’ m optimistic that slowly the law society would be able to aid in this recognition by all law students, and the wider campus that each individual can contribute to success of our events. Additionally, the society has finally become more structured as we have elected a body that will lead, and ensure the law society’ s vision and objectives are fulfilled.
Where do you see the Law Society in the future?
Firstly, my vision of the Law Society in the future, would be a body that has such a voice that will be heard throughout all spheres of society and one that essentially makes positive and developmental contributions to societal issues as it concerns justice and equality for all. As law students, we all should be aware of the many problems that currently pervade our legal systems. It is my hope, and I’ m sure other members of the steering committee, that we as university law students begin to speak out, without fear, about societal injustice. I see the Law Society as a body that will be that outlet that will attribute to a change in the wider law community and the society. It should also be a body that encourages students to not simply focus on the particular degree they pursue but also focus on ways in which they can better this society. From the last two years being involved with the law students, I have recognised that we are a diverse mixture of people, with varied talents and skills. Therefore, if we combine our talents and skills, the horizon for our success is indeed quite endless.
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Antonio Emmanuel

President 2012-2013
What motivated you to contend the position of President of the Law Society?
Working on the steering committee in first year when the society was in its formative stages, I always recognized the potential of the law society, not just for the present but for what it could become and represent for the students of the faculty of law. Deciding to contest the position was not an easy one because I recognized the level of responsibility that went into running the society. Honestly, my colleagues from within the faculty encouraged me to run and assured me that they had faith and confidence in me as a leader. Through their confidence I found my own, and as is said, the rest is history. Now that the mantle of leadership has been thrust upon me, I will try my best to serve the needs of the student body as effectively and efficiently as I know how, always mindful of the duty